In the polished corporate corridors of Sandton’s Merchant Place, something deeply rooted in rural soil is commanding attention.
The ifa crafted heritage collection is currently on display at Art&About, presented by the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) in partnership with the FirstRand Foundation. Running until the end of April 2026, the exhibition is more than a curated display — it is a declaration of continuity, identity and economic possibility.
The name ifa crafted means “inheritance” in isiZulu. It draws from the idea of indlalifa — those entrusted with passing down legacy — and ukuloba ngezandla, or “thinking with hands”. The phrase is not poetic abstraction. It is a lived reality for more than 80 master crafters from rural KwaZulu-Natal who have shaped this collection.
Launched in 2025 by KZNSA with support from the FirstRand Foundation, the project has engaged artisans from Ixopo, Ntshongweni, Hlabisa, eManguzi, Rorke’s Drift, Greytown, Cato Ridge, Mthwalume, Mbazwane, the Valley of a Thousand Hills and beyond. Together, they represent generations of embodied knowledge — skills refined through repetition, memory and community transmission.
Reimagining Tradition Through Collaboration
At the heart of ifa crafted is an intensive collaborative co-design process. Led by Angela Shaw (KZNSA), acclaimed beadwork artist Hlengiwe Dube, Gary Cotterell and other contributing designers, rural artisans have reinterpreted age-old techniques across a spectrum of mediums: beading, telewire and wire weaving, ilala palm and grass weaving, tapestry, ceramics, wood carving, embroidery and textile printing.
The result is striking.
Traditional craft has been elevated into aspirational luxury — homeware, décor, jewellery and collectible pieces that honour heritage while speaking fluently to contemporary global aesthetics. These are not nostalgic artefacts frozen in time. They are living expressions of culture, refined for today’s design-conscious world.
The Artisans Behind the Legacy
The exhibition is grounded in the hands and stories of its makers.
Nomfundo Mkhize, a beadwork and textile specialist from the Valley of a Thousand Hills, is known for intricate patterns that weave personal and communal narratives into contemporary forms.
Angeline Masuku, a master ilala palm weaver from northern KwaZulu-Natal, creates tightly coiled baskets and vessels that reflect generations of knowledge passed down within her community.
Busisiwe Mayise transforms recycled materials into bold telewire works — vibrant statements of resilience and innovation.
Sibusiso Mthembu shapes metal into dynamic sculptures and functional objects, bridging rural tradition with urban sophistication.
For many, the exhibition represents a milestone.
“ifa crafted has opened doors we never imagined – from our rural homes to spaces like Sandton,” reflects Busisiwe Mayise. “Seeing people appreciate the stories in every weave has been truly special. This initiative has given us a platform to share our heritage while building sustainable futures for our families. We are grateful and proud.”
Beyond Craft: A Model for Sustainable Impact
While the objects on display are compelling, the deeper impact lies in the structure of the initiative itself.
Through professional design collaboration, e-commerce access, high-profile exhibitions and exposure to international markets, ifa crafted has delivered increased income, strengthened professional identity and greater confidence for participating artisans. It offers a replicable, ethical model for rural creative enterprise — one that balances innovation with heritage preservation and drives inclusive economic growth in marginalised communities.
“Initiatives like ifa crafted demonstrate the profound transformative power of strategic partnerships in preserving South Africa’s rich cultural heritage while creating sustainable pathways for economic empowerment,” says Kone Gugushe, Head of Social Investing at FirstRand. “By uplifting rural talent and ensuring that ancient knowledge continues to thrive in contemporary contexts, we are investing not just in artisans, but in the enduring legacy of communities for generations to come. We are deeply proud to support this vital work and to celebrate the remarkable artisans alongside KZNSA.”
Heritage on Display, Future in Motion
In a district often defined by glass towers and financial ambition, ifa crafted brings something elemental into the room: memory shaped by hand. The exhibition reminds visitors that heritage is not static — it evolves, adapts and finds new relevance when given space and strategic support.
At Art&About in Sandton’s Merchant Place, rural KwaZulu-Natal is not peripheral. It is central. It is visible. It is valued.
And until the end of April 2026, its inheritance is on display for all to witness.
For artisan stories, collections and purchasing opportunities, visit www.ifacrafted.com.
