From a modest backroom in Mdantsane, where one seamstress and three beaders worked with determination, Iza Crafts has grown into a celebrated symbol of artistry and cultural pride. Founded in 2001 by Thembeka Metele, the enterprise was born from her lifelong commitment to community upliftment and her passion for preserving isiXhosa and Mfengu traditions.
Over the years, Iza Crafts blossomed into a vibrant creative hub in Quigney, East London, where skilled seamstresses and beaders poured their talent into every garment and accessory. Today, although Thembeka has retired, her daughter Nosipho Metele carries the torch, ensuring that the legacy of craft and cultural storytelling continues for generations to come.
Iza Crafts’ creations are instantly recognisable. From hand beaded necklaces, bangles, and headbands to authentic isiXhosa and Mfengu attire, the brand captures the essence of tradition while embracing contemporary flair. Shawls, doeks, and modern bags are adorned with bold colour palettes, intricate beadwork, and traditional materials that reflect the artistry of the Eastern Cape.
Each item tells a story, woven with heritage, shaped by skilled hands, and finished with pride.
The reach of this craftsmanship has extended far beyond provincial borders.
Iza Crafts has earned accolades such as the Master Crafter Award in 2018 and the Proudly South African Craft Award. Their work has graced international stages, from bespoke pieces for the Edinburgh Festival theatre production to exclusive collections for Axis Gallery in New York and New Jersey. Most recently, their designs adorned the Winnie Mandela sculpture created by artist Nicola Holgate for the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.
Beyond recognition, Iza Crafts has become a catalyst for cultural preservation and community empowerment.
The business has trained seamstresses and beaders who have gone on to build successful careers of their own, while also giving back through donations and support for vulnerable children and disadvantaged groups. In every respect, Iza Crafts has remained true to Thembeka’s original vision: to use craft as a vehicle for dignity, pride, and opportunity.
The ECDC has been an instrumental partner in this journey, providing platforms to showcase Iza Crafts on national and international stages, from arts festivals to fashion showcases. This support has positioned the enterprise as part of a broader movement to ensure that Eastern Cape creativity is celebrated locally and recognised globally.
At its heart, Iza Crafts is more than a business, it is a story of heritage carried forward. Every stitch and every bead is a tribute to the past, a reflection of the present, and an inspiration for the future.
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