About Africa Bead Bug

The Zulu Nation, one of the largest tribes in South Africa, well known as a tribe with a strong culture and tradition. They have produced traditional beadwork for centuries. Their jewelry was a form of communication, always made exclusively by women, but was worn by both women and men. In the past, messages were woven into the beadwork by using specific colors and/or shapes.

Today, most of those traditional symbols have disappeared as beadwork is predominantly being made for sale rather than for personal use. Many women in South Africa make beads as a means of survival. Although they are still using the traditional techniques and designs, most continue there craft to support themselves, as well as, their extended family and the families of others who have no income or whose adult members have died as a result of illness, often linked to Aids, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis.

Thulisile Gamede is 34 years old. She taught herself the traditional craft of weaving beads in order to support herself and her 3 children. She also supports her mother, her sick brother and his children. She is the sole earner for a family of 10. Her story is the same as so many South African women.

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Richard is Zimbabwean. Because of the unstable political situation in Zimbabwe, he was forced to leave his home and family in order to seek employment in South Africa. He has temporary accommodation and travels back and forth to take money to his family.

Like too many Zimbabweans, he hand crafts beautiful wire and bead ornaments to maintain a meager subsistence.

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All items sold on this website have been purchased from impoverished communities. Extending their markets and supporting their crafts helps in creating a better opportunity for their survival and a hope for the future of their children.

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