This is a job creation project that was founded in 2003. Women from the surrounding areas are trained in sewing and embroidery. The designer—Anthony Gewers—is paid for each picture drawn on the squares of material he receives. These material squares are then delivered to the embroiders who in turn gets paid for every embroidered square of material. These embroided squares then go to the workplace in Kareedouw for the ladies that does the sewing of the final shwe-shwe product.
Sales in the past few years declined due to the economic climate in South Africa and therefore a few new initiatives were started: upholstery work; alterations to garments; pot plant holders, umbrella covers and other products.
This project is run by Leoni de Lange and Ronelle Coetzee who also do the product marketing.
Almost 60 embroiders are involved in this project.
The success of this project lies in the fact that women are able to work from home. The embroidery provides an additional income, and for some, the only income.
Quality control is strict and the EPO delivers a quality product. This was emphasized during 2019 at the ECPACC‘s craft stall at the Grahamstown Arts Festival where our products were the best sellers.
