The Ndebele Cultural Centre is a place to unwind from the stress of Africa’s cities. You will have an unequalled opportunity to learn about the traditions of Ndebele art, assist women and children in the making of beadwork, painting, printing textiles and recycling waste materials into toys, crafts and other decorative objets d’art. You will be able to purchase authentic quality controlled works on display in the shop while enjoying a cup of tea, coffee or espresso.



DIRECTIONS TO THE NDEBELE FOUNDATION

A Unique Artform

The Ndebele people of South Africa have a rich artistic heritage, which has survived years of apartheid, civil wars and deprived living conditions. Mural paintings represent a demonstration of ethnic sovereignty by the Ndebele women, which is handed down from mother to daughter. Unlike Western art, Ndebele art does not involve a Western sense of aesthetics nor painting for acclaim – a woman’s life is her canvas and represents her intimate relationship with home and community.

Commercial interests are appropriating Ndebele designs and ownership of their art will slip from the hands of the few remaining craftswomen if there is not an immediate effort to retain their heritage.

There is a need to preserve Ndebele culture and adapt it to changing world circumstances. At the same time, it is crucially important to train the next generation in the vital artforms of their forebears. With the help and vision of photojournalist Margaret Courtney-Clarke, a non-profit organisation (The Ndebele Foundation) was established in order to train and inspire the continuation of an artistic heritage and to ensure long-term benefits to the women, the young girls, and the Ndebele as a people.

  
Rates*
R 120.00 (approximately US $ 14) per person per night. R 50.00 (approximately US $ 8) per night for overnight on the roof terrace. NO CREDIT CARD FACILITIES
*Rates subject to change without prior notice.

The B & B offers simple, clean and efficient accommodation. Facilities include three twin rooms, three double rooms and plenty of space on the roof terrace under the African night sky for back packers. Evening meals by oil lamp and candles are served in the dining room for overnight guests and self-catering BBQ facilities are also available. There is NO ELECTRICITY on the premises but a gas fridge is available for guests to store their perishables should they wish to prepare their own meals.

• Observe or partecipate in the creation of Ndebele Art.
• Stay within a close knit Ndebele community and experience their unique culture at an individual level.
• Shop for original works of art found only at The Ndebele Foundation's Cultural Centre for Women and Children.
• Simple, affordable accomodation including traditional meals.