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News - Date: 20 October 2006
A talented granny is making a name for herself by making and designing different kinds of African beads. Mrs Nyavheani Ramadwa (88) from Tshiulungoma Village, outside Thohoyandou, encourages other senior citizens to use their talents effectively.
"I become seriously involved in bead making when I quit drinking in the late 50’s. The initiative keeps me busy and it is also a source of extra income which supplements my old age grant," says Nyavheani, a staunch member of the International Pentecostal Church. Because of the increasing demand for her beadwork and the need for more exposure, Nyavheani now plies her trade on a pavement in central Thohoyandou. "Moving to Thohoyandou was the only alternative to develop my business because that is where different people from different places converge."
Nyavheani said she learned the art of bead making from her late mother who used to make beads for home decoration. "My mother was a keen bead maker who also sold the beads to traditional leaders so that they could decorate themselves whenever there were official functions like chief installations. I learnt all the art and techniques and when I became an adult, I started my own bead-making small business. I became famous in the Venda and Malamulele areas when I emerged as a famous bead creator in the 60’s. That time, I also designed Venda and Tsonga traditional bangles and necklaces from my homestead. And the rest is now history." Apart from individual clients, Nyavheani’s customers include Venda and Tsonga traditional dancers who flock to her small business to buy her products. Her products start from R5 to R200, depending on the size and make desired by the customer.
"This old woman is doing an amazing job. There is no need to travel for long distances looking for African beads because her talent speaks for itself," said one of Nyavheani’s regular customers, Sydney Magadze.
Nyavheani’s granddaughter, Ndivhuwo Tshivhase (20), has already started following in her grandmother’s footsteps. She joined her grandmother in bead making last year. "Since last year, I have learnt more skills from her and I can now make different kinds of African beads on my own. She has equipped me with the knowledge that will be valuable for the rest of my life."
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