Viva Afrika was established as a Close Corporation by Tessa Mantle in 1993. The project started with a small number of Ndebele beaders from the Syabusa district of the then Kwa Ndebele region. Today Viva Afrika provides employment to over 50 Ndebele women. Most of the women have a very low literacy level, therefore limiting their job opportunities. Furthermore,all the crafts of Viva Afrika are produced at home by the beadworkers, thus enabling them to care for their own children and preserve the traditional Ndebele lifestyle. By working from home the beadworkers are able to pass down their skills and aesthetic style to their daughters, and in doing so, ensure the continuance of Ndebele artistry which would otherwise be seriously threatened by Westernisation and industrialisation.

Products: All Viva Afrika's crafts integrate a new modern and original trend to the traditional Ndebele beadwork in the production of everyday goods. They all have a practical use and are supplied in tastefully wrapped gift boxes.

Viva Afrika's crafts include tableware, photo frames, office decorative objects, glassware and beaded animals.
We supply curio shops, game lodges, duty free shops, corporate and promotional companies.
We can personalize and engrave all the gifts and packaging and can do specific client's bead colours.