The project to transform Mukondeni Pottery near Elim into an art gallery received new momentum on 18 July, when more than 200 people attended an event to help raise funds to renovate the facilities.
The Mukondeni Pottery project was established by Sarah Munyai in 1980 to sustain and preserve an ancient craft. The Mukondeni area is also known for its skilled and talented potters.
The July 18 event, which coincided with Mandela Day, was organised by Miyelani Travel Consultants and followed a day later by the Claypot Indigenous Food Expo, dubbed the "Sip 1'n Clay" festival, which was a fundraiser to help cover the cost of repainting Mukondeni Pottery.
"This initiative forms part of our broader vision to develop and promote the Mukondeni experience for visitors, showcasing local talents and crafts that define our cultural landscape," said Ms Salamina Muluvha, Mukondeni Pottery's secretary. She was excited about the prospect of more tourists visiting the gallery once the renovations are completed.
"The significance of the gallery is not only for the community but also for creating job opportunities for unemployed youths interested in art. We urge businesspeople to lend a helping hand to make our dreams come true," she said.
More than 200 people attended the event, including local artists and Thovhele Vho Fhatuwani Mulima, the senior traditional leader of Mukondeni village. The event also aimed to identify and help other art and craft stakeholders within the community to connect.
Ms Tintswalo Khoza, managing director of Miyelani Travel Consultants, explained that the inspiration behind transforming Mukondeni Pottery into a cultural hub stemmed from their deep appreciation of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the area. Khoza, who also serves on the board of the Makhado Tourism Association as the acting chairperson, highlighted that Mukondeni Pottery is a living tribute to craftsmanship and traditions passed down through generations.
"By creating a professional gallery and cultural hub, we aim to preserve and promote these traditions, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations. Transforming Mukondeni Pottery into a cultural hub is about celebrating present achievements and investing in the future," she said.
She added that the project's transformation would create a space where local artists, craftsmen, and the community could gather, share their skills, and attract visitors from around the world.