Botswana- Gantsi Crafts

Gantsi Craft is a member of the Kuru Family of Organisations (KFU), a consortium of NGOs in Botswana and South Africa, who share the common goal of empowering the most vulnerable group of indigenous peoples in southern Africa, namely the San and other marginalized communities to take control of their own destinies through craft production.

Craft is fairly traded and the group works under the principle that trade can make a sustainable and significant contribution to poverty reduction. By supporting the San to produce quality crafts this network of over 500 producers are able to generate an income and develop their own skills whilst ensuring their age-old traditions and culture are kept alive. All their naturally sourced materials are obtained and traded under strict licences and ethics.

Gantsi Craft utilises this merchandising opportunity to engage with the participants, to educate and talk with them about issues of concern, such as HIV/Aids, gender issues, budgeting and responsible use of income. All of society is indeed involved in the survival struggle of this group of people, the oldest hunting and gathering society known to man. Working with the San implicates working with society as a whole.