The 3Cs of creativity, craftsmanship and community
Kopanang is a Sesotho word meaning 'to unite or come together', a term that perfectly encapsulates the Kopanang Community Trust’s core mission. Upskilling and providing employment to the women of Tsakane township is at the heart of the workshop's ethos. Founded in 2001 by Sister Sheila Flynn to address South Africa's colossal HIV/AIDS crisis, the Trust became a curative space for local women to earn a living through craft. The collective has since triumphed over decades of hardship, including the impact of COVID-19, sustained by solidarity and sheer tenacity.
Kopanang Community Trust’s team of active artisans create hand-embroidered functional art for a worldwide market. Interpreting township life into narratives with free-form embroidery, the artisans commit up to three months of intensive work per single 50x50cm cushion. Rigorous training and entry exams help uphold standards at the workshop, while co-designed programmes such as with Boston University foster cross-cultural exchange. The yarns and other materials used are sourced locally, asserting Kopanang Community Trust's commitment to its community with a growing global reach.
Where
Kopanang Community Trust
