Mdukatshani - Fifty Years of Beading

However, this is just one aspect of a much wider programme that has extended the project across the province. Today MRDT provides agricultural support and help for thousands of emerging farmers struggling to make a living on the land in the rural areas of KwaZulu- Natal. Some live on new land reform farms, others on tribal land, most of it arid country like Msinga, far from water, too dry for crops, but suitable for rearing livestock. Although about 70% of people living in poverty in South Africa depend on livestock for food security, they are a neglected segment of the population, with neither training nor veterinary support. These are shortcomings MRDT is helping to address with a variety of projects aimed at filling the gaps, while developing the potential of the market. MRDT has a special focus on women, who are increasingly taking ownership of stock, while the project provides training for children who are the primary herders and livestock-keepers in most rural African homes. With technical skills, young people can help to change the economy of rural areas. Find out more at www.mdukatshani.com

Today most of Mdukatshani has been ceded to the Mchunu and Mthembu tribal authorities, and families evicted by government in 1969 have rebuilt their homes on the farm, following tribal procedures for settlement. Once land claims had been largely settled, the project began to move in new directions – under a new name. For one problem the project had not addressed was its variable legal identity. Over 45 years the project had tried to keep pace with government requirements by changing its name from Church Agricultural Projects, to CAPTRUST, to CAPFARM Trust, producing a legal nightmare that was finally resolved in 2011 with the creation of two new trusts, the Mdukatshani Rural Development Trust (MRDT), and the Mdukatshani Craft and Welfare Trust. The same trustees serve on both trusts, which run different programs, but share space, time and services, as always. In the eyes of the beaders the projects are one. MRDT provides advice on the care of their livestock, their chickens and goats, their forage and gardens.

Celiwe Kumalo, a Ncunjane crafter, beading at home in the winter sun, close to her family and her chickens.

Ncunjane goats set off in the morning for their feeding grounds in the bush. This area was once Mdukatshani’s Top Farm, now formally ceded to the Bambanani Machunu Community Property Trust.

Phangiwe Dladla, a Mashunka crafter, beading at home as a chicken comes looking for scraps.

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Mdukatshani – Fifty Years of Beading