Crafting Our Way Through The Eastern Cape

Loading player...
I Thotho Mbatsha am a custodian of isiXhosa culture and heritage. I was born in a farm area called Showpark in Port Alfred. I inherited beadwork from my mother and aunt from there I decided to pursue beadwork and traditional attire making from her early childhood.
My products include isiXhosa beaded jewellery, traditional garments and beaded household accessories such as coasters, cutlery, place mats etc.

My services include beadwork training, Xhosa culture lessons, praise singing, Xhosa Traditional Dress styling and bead interpretation.
Add an authentic Xhosa experience to your guest’s stay by inviting Me to teach guests how to make beaded items and how to dress in traditional Xhosa gear, appropriately according to custom. If you order beaded jewellery from me, I can deliver an interpretation for guests. A lovely pre-dinner activity your clients will remember forever.

If clients would like to dress up in Xhosa attire, I can bring the garments for hire and also offer professional photography and videography to capture the moments.
I retired from the Health industry in 2020 to pursue my beading business full time, after three decades of running it as a side hustle.

After years of not getting proper employment. I decided to focus on crocheting because God kept reminding me of the love had for knitting and crocheting and so I started crocheting bags.

The lack of proper capital made me take pauses for months then as soon as I get a little bit of money, I would buy wool. In 2021 I got capital from my brother, and I was able to start successfully. I was able to buy most of the crocheting tools and wool. This is when NASO Creations was born.
22 Sep 2023 English South Africa Places & Travel

Other recent episodes

Iain Harris (Food Indaba) with Janet

Iain Harris is an experienced cultural entrepreneur and project manager, currently leading the annual Food Indaba for the South African Urban Food and Farming Trust, a pan-African event convening diverse stakeholders across the continent’s food system. He is the founder of the award-winning travel brand Coffee beans, and co-founder of…
15 Aug 23 min

Under the Spotlight 45

Join us on a weekly round-up of what’s on at the theatre in the Western Cape as we speak to Simone Heradien -- the Communications and Brand Manager at Artscape Theatre. Come listen to what’s Under the Spotlight.
14 Aug 12 min

All Africa House: Jacqui Cooks and Noli Mini with Janet

All Africa House is a spacious B&B located on UCT’s Middle Campus with views of Table Mountain, offering comfortable, quiet accommodation near Cape Town’s major attractions. Guests enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere, a leafy courtyard, and shared spaces to relax and recharge. Jacqui Cooks, known as The Jax, is a…
30 Jul 22 min

Under the Spotlight Episode 44

Join us on a weekly round-up of what’s on at the theatre in the Western Cape as we speak to Simone Heradien -- the Communications and Brand Manager at Artscape Theatre. Come listen to what’s Under the Spotlight. In this inspiring Women`s Month episode, Simone and Janet Share the vibrant…
7 Aug 11 min

Franschhoek Inn with Ivor Carolus

Ivor began his career in tourism in 1998 as a barman at Augusta Wine Estate in Franschhoek. Influenced by notable figures like Robert von Palace Kolbatschenko and the late Count Riccardo Agusta, his journey took him across South Africa—from vineyards to casinos, game reserves, and top hospitality venues in Johannesburg…
21 Jul 11 min