Company Profile Swaziland, our tiny mountainous kingdom, is proud of its traditions, among which people crafts for a purpose in their homes.
Tintsaba, since 1985 had recognized the skills and creativity of our people by establishing a development program in the rural areas of northern Swaziland. We have trained and encouraged crafts people who have produced increasingly finer work over the years, the project now stands at 500 women. The program includes products in finely coiled technique made from sisal, which is weed in Swaziland. All steps of production are handmade. Products range from functional to collectors pieces of the finest basketry in Africa; a 22cm diameter basket takes 30 hours to weave. From the inception, Tintsaba made a Social and Environmental Commitment to our crafts people. Regular handcraft training for newcomers, and for pattern and quality upgrading are organized. Annually, the Chairladies of the groups, the best basket makers and trainers are taken to Malolotja Nature Reserve, where we spend a week on family health and environmental issues like sustainable use of resources, organic gardening. Constrained by market price, Tintsaba has had to find other ways to improve the lives of our basket makers. At such a workshop, we also devote a day to quality and price setting and have a prize giving for the best baskets and jewelry and the most productive women. The environmental focus of our business has been integrated into the baskets, and patterns have emerged of elephants, rhino, lions, birds, making Tintsaba Baskets a totally unique product and with the true African designs of our ladies and the help of professional designers have made a unique and beautiful product. From environmental commitment we have also developed a recycled line of products using old plastic bags in the form of bread baskets, potplant holders etc. We rely on friends and customers for coloured plastic bags and would be grateful if anyone would like to use Tintsaba as a depot of bags. About seven years ago, we also started a Jewelry line by refining the coiling technique of the basket into a still finer work of art. We have two retail outlets - Tintsaba crafts at the Highlands Inn and Tekwane at Piggs Peak Hotel Also, our permanent staff receive ongoing self development training. The people in Tintsaba are Sheila Freemantle at the Helm; Nelsiwe as and Admin. Assistant at 437 1380. Zodwa may answer your call at the Tintsaba Shop (437 1260) or Dolly who is in charge of the development project. "Tekwane" is our branch at the Piggs Peak Hotel where we sell clothes, materials, crafts from all over Swaziland and Africa. We also sell all tourists requirements or will order what is needed e.g. magazines of your choice. You will find Valeria, Ntongolozi or Lindiwe to help you. (phone 437 1191) |
