Africa-Press – Eswatini. Handwork proved to be a powerful tool for empowerment as Coronation Park transformed into a vibrant hub of sisterhood and creativity on February 7, 2026.
The ULamgangela Creations crocheting picnic demonstrated that mastering a manual craft is about more than just art—it is about building confidence, resilience, and community.
The event, held under the theme “Circle of Queens and Princesses,” exceeded all expectations, turning a group of beginners into skilled artisans in a single afternoon. Despite the initial nerves of picking up a crochet needle for the first time, every single participant successfully completed the workshop. Attendees headed home with their own handcrafted crocheted bags and rugs, along with extra materials to continue practicing their new craft.
The visionary behind the initiative, Xolile Hlophe Mazibuko, expressed her immense pride in the atmosphere of the day. One of the standout highlights was the unexpected and heartwarming level of moral support from the community.
“What I liked the most in this group was the support from bobabe (men),” Mazibuko shared. “They brought their girls and wives and offered so much moral support, calling and checking in on the class. The stories we were sharing during the class were good for all ages—motivating, empowering, and filled with so much love.”
The picnic setup encouraged a unique spirit of kindness, with participants spreading out their mats and sharing snacks in a true display of sisterhood. Mazibuko noted that the dedication of the young people in attendance was particularly inspiring, as they remained focused on mastering the intricate stitches of their handwork.
Mazibuko, who founded ULamgangela Creations in 2018 as a way to turn a therapeutic hobby into a sustainable business, provided one-on-one attention to ensure no student was left behind.
“I was able to give them my attention one-by-one, and finally, everyone got everything right. I could see the happiness in them. For most, it was their first time holding a crochet needle, but they went back home being new artisans,” she added.
While the event was a resounding success, Mazibuko did note a touch of sadness regarding registered participants who failed to show up, as materials had been carefully prepared for the full group. However, the overwhelming energy of those present more than made up for it, solidifying the event’s mission to help women create their own futures through the power of handwork.
Following this milestone, the public is encouraged to follow ulamgangela_creations on social media for updates on future workshops. Having already made a significant impact at major events like the Makoti Festival, Mazibuko continues to prove that with a bit of yarn and a lot of heart, Emaswati can weave a brighter economic future.
