BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
VUVULANE – A new design studio for the youth.
On Friday, several Vuvulane youth walked into their new design studio at the Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO) Vuvulane Business Complex, where they will be working and creating design craft products.
In February 2023, a group of 19 youths from Vuvulane graduated from the JEREMPAUL Design and Art Training Course, funded by the European Union in Eswatini. They also dabbled in business training led by SEDCO. They are;
- Gcinile Zwane
- Fezile Motsa
- Phindokuhle Mathonsi
- Phumelele Dlamini
- Nozipho Malinga
- Mbongiseni Matse
- Majahonkhe Dlamini
- Thuli Vilakati
- Nothando Mavuso
- Tematfombeni Magagula
- Ayanda Vilakati
- Qiniso Khumalo
- Sebenele Magongo
- Khulile Howe
- Lungile Sithole
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
- Phumlani Dlamini
- Colani Bhila
- Nomcebo Zwane
When reached for comment, Khulekani Msweli, who is the Director and Founder of JEREMPAUL, said, “I was not content with them just having a certificate and basic skills; it had to all be put to practice. The hurdle was that they didn’t have a conducive space to work as a collective. After having several meetings with them and negotiations with SEDCO, SEDCO offered the studio space that they are photographed in, right here in Vuvulane.”
When reached for comment, SEDCO CEO Khethiwe Mhlanga shared with this publication that youth culture is on the SEDCO estate. “The focus is arts and design. We work with young entrepreneurs as they are still starting out and still need support.”
According to Msweli SEDCO, the owners of the business complex, they offered the space on the condition that the youth fix it up themselves, create a business plan, and register their collective design and craft company. “The youth worked so hard and delivered on those requests. To say I am so proud is an understatement. This group is really determined and willing to make their business work. Together with SEDCO, we will offer them guidance, and I will definitely make sure that their products are stocked in my retail stores. Thank you, SEDCO, through the dedicated leadership of your CEO, Khethiwe Mhlanga, for embracing the vision and offering the youth a chance,” shared the director.
Msweli appealed to emaSwati to please sponsor or donate tables, chairs, sewing machines, creative books, fabrics, or anything else that can enhance their startup business. “My @jerempaulofficial business will donate some items, but it won’t be enough. You can contact me via direct message or WhatsApp at +268 76306944. We can do our best to collect the items. The youth of Vuvulane have been offered a chance. Watch this space and see them grow.”
