Wola Nani Embracing The World

Wola Nani, which is Xhosa for ‘embrace’, was established in 1994 and supports women, orphans and vulnerable children infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  Helping its women crafters develop a skill and earn a sustainable and regular income with dignity. Through a developmental, self help approach the project’s members have been enabled to take greater control of their lives and achieve a better quality of life.

Crafts include beaded ribbons, bracelets and napkin rings, papier mache bowls and picture frames, light bulbs, tea lights and cards. They are distributed extensively throughout South Africa and overseas. Their colourful, cheerful designs are widely recognised and they enjoy the Proudly South African endorsement.

 

Wola Nani also produce custom-made designs in response to specific requests e.g. items for dinners, Christmas cards, conference items (such as nametags, place settings, etc) and book marks. 

If you are interested in commissioning a particular design, please contact them or visit one of the many outlets selling their products both locally and internationally. 

Launching its first pop-up store at Cavendish Square last December to tremendous success, during the holiday season offering a variety of exclusive product lines. Including paper-mache bangles in an African print, “eyes design” as well as the introduction of the “Sea-farer” pattern paper-mache bowl.  The store also offered Wola Nani’s other best-selling handcrafted product ranges such as home accessories, bead work and jewellery.  These products ranges can also be previewed at Wola Nani Website

Brenda Bibby, Centre Manager of Cavendish Square said, “As World AIDS Day is marked in December, we are supporting the work of Wola Nani by providing them with a retail outlet in Cape Town’s foremost mall during peak shopping season.  We are thrilled to offer them a pop-up shop where they can showcase their wonderful designs and colourful products; providing our shoppers with unique and distinctive lines not available anywhere else.  These products make great gifts because proceeds go towards a good cause.”

The beaded square, worn as a brooch or necklace, is a traditional Zulu love letter. In its symbolic arrangement of colour and pattern are woven the hopes and desires of the wearers. The beaded AIDS ribbon draws both on this ethnic tradition and on the international recognition of the red ribbon as a symbol of solidarity and compassion for all those affected by HIV/AIDS. By wearing this symbol, you reflect your support of global AIDS awareness. View it at the craftshop.