Women make it big at ZITF

Viola Mzungwana
ROUGHLY a week after Earth Day, some enterprising women showed how they repurpose materials that would normally be discarded.

They did this the good way they know- through clothing designs and apparel.

Their eco-inspired stuff was on show at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).

Hwange-based creative Simephi Sibandaa��s unique collection of hats made out of soda and beer cans is testimony that everything can be used for something a�� even if ita��s garbage.

a�?I got this profitable idea last year but people doubted a�� no one really understood how I wanted to craft my hats. I collect cans then I cut them into beautiful shapes then sow them together using a very strong form of wool. That is how these beautiful hats are made,a�? explained Sibanda.

Her recycling initiative has captured the attention of tourists in the Victoria Falls and Hwange areas where she trades. To prove it, she is making relatively good money out of it.

a�?That same rubbish in peoplea��s eyes is how I take care of my family. I usually target tourists and they make a lot of orders. Local people also love my idea. I am glad to be making a difference with my environmentally friendly project,a�?she said.

Hardly anyone has use for vinyl records and video tapes in this fast paced technological world. But that is not the case with fashion for its retro element.

In that light, Senzeni Bhila, a mother of five from Bulawayo recycles video tapes and vinyl records. These can be seen in her knit hats, skirts, shoes and jackets.

a�?I recycle video tapes by knitting hats and skirts using a crotchet.A� You get different designs from these things but ita��s the same material,a�? she said.

The idea crossed her mind and she had to look for people with video cassette shops.

a�?I realised how brilliant the idea was and made contacts,a�? Bhila added.

She has been a regular exhibitor at the ZITF for the past three years. Her idea was also a centre of attention at the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference 2013 in Victoria Falls.

Then there is the Impala Family Enterprises a�� comprising family members from Lupane who use resources from the community to knit baskets and bags.

Otilia Mpala and her children successfully run the project with the help of members of the community.

a�?We started in 1989, we operate in Masengani and we knit baskets, hats and handbags. We exhibited in 2012 here at the ZITF and it was really helpful because we compared with other peoplea��s businesses and it gave us new ideas and more business,a�? said Mpala.

Mpala and team have gone as far as Malawi and Zambia with their products.

In some of the trips they were sponsored by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development.