The KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism developed a KZN Integrated Craft Hub Strategy and Operational Plan for the Province. It was through this initiative that a series of workshops were held in the District together with the family of local municipalities to discuss and agree on the establishment of a Satellite Craft Hub for the District.
 
A business plan was formulated by Enterprise iLembe and submitted to the KZN Integrated Craft Hub (KZNICH) for consideration and it was subsequently approved that iLembe District will be the first District to roll-out the craft hub. To this end a Memorandum of Understanding was concluded between the KZNICH and iLembe.
 
The overarching goal of the project is the for the iLembe region to be a catalyst for development networks and initiatives throughout the District and to achieve maximum economic growth in the craft sector. In addition the craft hub will serve to:
  • Serve the needs of crafters in the district
  • Facilitate market access nationally and internationally
  • Strengthen individual enterprises especially in the small, rural and community driven craft businesses
  • Encourage empowerment in the sector by co-ordinating and encouraging decentralization of opportunities to the local level where crafters are based.
  • To develop design and business skills by providing accredited training
  • To develop a brand identity for crafters
Sangweni Tourism Centre was identified to establish the satellite craft hub because of its potential to attract access to the necessary markets for the crafters.
 
At the official launch held on Friday, 18 June 2010, His Worship Mayor, Cllr. Mdabe of iLembe District stated “We are of the firm belief that this project will be a catalyst for craft development in the region and we look forward to receiving support of the project from all stakeholders in the region”. He congratulated the KZN Integrated Craft Hub on the initiative and complimented the team from Enterprise iLembe on their speedy implementation of the project at Sangweni Tourism Centre.
 
On behalf of Mrs. Kanyi Gasa, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise iLembe
Contact Person:  Cheryl Peters
Tel:                         27 32 946 1256
Fax:                        27 32 946 3515
Email:                   cheryl@enterpriseilembe.co.za