Glassblowing in Crocodile Village

Among the many mountains that encircle the tiny African Kingdom of Swaziland is one that resembles a basking crocodile.

At its summit is the world's most ancient iron ore mine, dating back 43 000 years and at its foot is the remote village of Ngwenya (Siswati word for 'crocodile'.)

Here a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breathe life into enchanting interpretations of African animals and birds, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality.

Here I was able to witness and try out first-hand the magical art of glassblowing; each item handmade from 100% recycled glass!

Since its rebirth in 1987, Ngwenya Glass has been more than an inspiring success story. It is an environmentalist's dream.

The products - which include a range of tableware, drinking glasses, vases, jugs and ornamental African animals - are all handmade from recycled glass. Most of this is from soft drink bottles, gathered from all over Swaziland.

Not only are the people of Swaziland encouraged to collect the bottles, but Ngwenya Glass works with the local schools to instill in the children a sense of environmental awareness.

In exchange for building materials and the sponsorship of the soccer team, the students must participate in roadside clean-up campaigns.

This is one of the organizations that Shared Interest Foundation aims to work with over the next three years to build their capacity to train and employ many more staff - a start in addressing the countries 40% unemployment rate.

Funding permitting, we will work with businesses like Ngwenya, looking at a whole range for things from market access and diversification to internal capacity building.

For now, I can't let this opportunity pass without telling you a little bit about Ngwenya and its star worker.
Sibusiso Mhlanga first started glassblowing in 1979 training at the world famous Kosta Boda glassworks in Kosta.under the tutorship of one of the worlds greatest glassblowers - Jan Erik Ritzman.

On returning to Swaziland, Sibusiso became the production manager, but due to financial problems the company closed down in 1985.

For the next two years Sibusiso struggled along without permanent employment, and kept himself busy as a backyard motor mechanic. Meanwhile he continued to show prospective buyers around the factory on behalf of the liquidators.

Nothing came of these visits, as everyone said that the plant was not viable and would never function successfully.

You can imagine Sibusiso's skepticism when in 1987 he was asked to work for the new owners (a farmer and his wife and their son, a marine engineer.)

Their only knowledge of glass was how to drink out of one!

After much coaxing Sibusiso joined the Prettejohn family and together they became a formidable team!
He has since trained the entire workforce of 60 people, including blowers, grinders and packers.
Sibusiso has visited Jan Erik on a number of occasions in his small studio in Transjo just outside Kosta in Southern Sweden.

Jan Erik regularly teaches advanced glassblowing at the Pilchuck Glass School outside Seattle in the USA, and in 1999 he invited Sibusiso to be his assistant.

This was a great honour for Sibusiso as well as a great experience.

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