Kopanong Community Trust (KCT) is a non profit organisation situated in the Eastern township of Tsakane. The membership of embroidery ladies come together once a week to share their life stories and earn an income from their beautiful handwork. KCT has built up to around 55 members since 2001. Eight of these women were chosen to be part of the ‘Quilting Ladies’ group and have steadily begun to learn the art of patchwork piecing and quilting. The Australasian Quilt Convention, held from 10th to 13th April in Melbourne Australia, invited Kopanang for the second time (the first visit in 2008) to represent South Africa. Nobuhle – their masterpiece was sewn by the KCT members. Nobuhle means “More than beautiful” and was sold for a princely sum. In the photograph, standing alongside the Nobuhle exhibit is Refilwe Nancy Mogane and Silindile Immaculate Twala who were invited by the AQC organisers to have the exhibit and an extensive stand to sell their wares at the AQC. We are very proud of all that they have achieved – most especially the many orders for products from their collection which Refilwe and Silindile brought back to South Africa, thereby creating more income for the members. All the above adds great value to the lives of the women and brings with it dignity and respect. Well done, ladies.
For more information about Kopanang Community Trust – visit www.kopanang.org or contact KCT at their email address kopanangwg@mweb.co.za or sheilaflynn@ymail.com