“The model gave women the opportunity to co-own the business and benefit directly...”
The Handwork Hub is an empowerment project dedicated to enabling women—many of whom are sole breadwinners and primary caregivers—to create a better future for themselves and their families.
At its core, The Handwork Hub exists to equip women not just with income, but with confidence, skills, and personal growth. Employment is only the beginning. As women discover their own capabilities, their self-esteem grows—and so does their influence at home. Children watch their mothers succeed and begin to believe in their own potential too.
The Hub’s team is made up of focused, motivated women who take pride in their work. Their strong work ethic and attention to quality are matched by a sense of ownership: every woman shares in the profits of the business. This structure has a direct impact on productivity and craftsmanship—proving that when women are empowered, business outcomes follow.
The Handwork Hub is a clear example of how people-centred business models create lasting value. By investing in women—supporting their development, recognising their potential, and giving them a stake in the outcome—The Handwork Hub has grown stronger year after year.
“…their self-esteem grows—and so does their influence at home.”
Our supervisors from left to right: Zodwa Matyobeni, Julia Malrasi, Francina Mhlabeni
The Handwork Hub was established in February 2017 through a partnership between Heineken Beverages and enterprise development specialists. Through Heineken’s E+Scalator Programme, a small community-based tassel-making operation was formalised into a sustainable, majority black women-owned business with permanent employment and a safe working environment.
The model gave women the opportunity to co-own the business and benefit directly from the economic value of their labour. Starting with 23 women from three local communities, the business grew to 30 employees within six months. A production facility was secured at the Asla Business Park in Strand, within walking distance of many of the women’s homes.
Now with over 50 women, the business has steadily expanded its capacity and now offers additional handwork and finishing services to other customers as well.
The Handwork Hub was established in February 2017 through a partnership between Heineken Beverages and enterprise development specialists. Through Heineken’s E+Scalator Programme, a small community-based tassel-making operation was formalised into a sustainable, majority black women-owned business with permanent employment and a safe working environment.
The model gave women the opportunity to co-own the business and benefit directly from the economic value of their labour. Starting with 23 women from three local communities, the business grew to 30 employees within six months. A production facility was secured at the Asla Business Park in Strand, within walking distance of many of the women’s homes.
Now with over 50 women, the business has steadily expanded its capacity and now offers additional handwork and finishing services to other customers as well.
Skills behind empowerment
Sewing Course
Those ladies that expressed interested in sewing are enrolled in small groups at Themba Training. Some complete the basic course, while others go on to do the intermediate and advanced. The skills that they gain have allowed us to take on CMT jobs from companies and it's a wonderful experience sharing each ladies excitement as she discovers what she is capable of. Crouchet Lessons
We were approached by a company interested in macrame and so we brought in a lady to teach us about knotting and crocheting. These lessons allowed us to take on work but they were fun and they gave our ladies an opportunity to learn something new while increasing their joy at work. Leather Workshop
We were approached by a company who asked us to make leather leads and collars for dogs and so we went in search of a leather expert. The expert from Woodheads imparted her knowledge and the ladies thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They did the precision cutting of the leather and then we did the stitching, sealing and applied the fittings. Woodheads continued to partner with us after the workshop.