Kamatsogo Creative Living

The Kamatsogo Centre is a non-profit organization providing employment opportunities, skills and empowerment to the local women of Vaalwater (South Africa), many of whom suffer from HIV/Aids. Our main aim is to alleviate poverty through production, marketing and sales of local crafts.

The center was started under the auspices of the Clive Walker Foundation in October 2006 with 6 unemployed women working in the Waterberg Welfare Society garage producing Christmas stockings after learning basic sewing skills. Kamatsogo now has its own NPO number, and engages over 14 women who work daily at rented retail space at the main shopping center in Vaalwater. Here, cushions, bags, jewelry, table accessories, wall hangings, baby quilts, clothing and beaded items, with the finest quality embroidery and beading, are produced.

Kamatsogo strives to positively affect the crafter’s lives, families and their local community as well as providing them with two meals a day. It gives each of the women a reason to wake up in the morning and go to work feeling like a contributing, valuable member of society. Looking ahead we aim to bring together more unemployed women and spread the message of hope.