Mdantsane's new Dawn

Mdantsane, the second biggest township in South Africa continues to breed remarkably talented youth. One such product is entrepreneur Nomaci Qabaka, founder and crafter of Ikhwezi. Ikhwezi prides its self in producing African ethnic inspired jewellery from recycled glass. Nomaci showcased Ikhwezi’s work at an Edgars' Johannesburg event,The African Designers and Jewellers Organisation ADJO for Black Up. The event themed African Renaissance gave a platform to jewellery designers from all over the world . The African Designers and Jewellers Organisation (ADJO) of which Ikhwezi is a member, partnered with Black Up, a French make-up brand to merge beauty and jewellery design. Ikhwezi was short listed in a competition running up to the event to design two jewellery pieces that would be modelled on the evening. Ikhwezi embraced the challenge and produced two dazzling hand crafted glass beaded necklaces that exude femininity in rich and dramatic colours. Ikhwezi has been with (Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) for three years, growing in great magnitude. Although Ikhwezi fell short of winning the overall prize which is an all-expenses paid trip to Russia to market and distribute winning collection next month, it stands a chance of supplying jewellery to a number of Edgars stores countrywide. 

Nomaci with a model wearing one of Ikhwezi creations, make-up by Black Up

Photographs by Siya Miti