Africa-Press – Lesotho. A dozen Basotho women entrepreneurs are weaving their way to success by keeping the spirit of Basotho heritage alive through unique handcrafted products.
In an interview with Informative Newspaper, Maneo Temeki, a representative of the group, proudly shared that their products go through a meticulous process.
“We spin, wash, dye, and mothproof the mohair ourselves to ensure a long-lasting, high-quality finish. We design and offer a range of models based on specific orders from clients,” she said.
Their craftsmanship has earned them loyal clients who appreciate both the beauty and the story behind every piece.
Established in April 1990, Seithati Weavers is more than just a weaving business, but is a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Run by a group of 12 dedicated Basotho women, the enterprise was founded with a powerful vision, to create sustainable employment for themselves while keeping the spirit of Basotho heritage alive through handcrafted products.
Located at Ha Nelese, SeithatiWeavers produces beautifully crafted tapestries, rugs, and bags made from 100% handwoven mohair.
Each piece carries not just the warmth of the wool, but also a cultural message that tells the story of the Basotho people.
From rich patterns inspired by traditional Sesotho symbols to contemporary designs requested by customers, Seithati Weavers manages to blend the old and new with exceptional artistry.
However, as with many small-scale businesses, Seithati Weavers is not without its challenges. One of the major hurdles is the lack of wool-washing machinery in Lesotho.
“We have not yet been able to buy machinery to wash wool in the country, so we send it to South Africa. This increases our production costs, especially when it comes to transport and washing,” Maneo explained.
Despite these obstacles, the women of Seithati Weavers remain hopeful and forward-looking. “Our future plans involve buying our own wool-washing machine and expanding our business even further,” Maneo added.
Maneo further highlighted that Seithati Weavers stands as a remarkable example of how little things can foster economic independence while celebrating cultural identity, adding that their main goal is to keep Basotho culture alive.
“As we continue to weave our dreams thread by thread, we hope inspire upcoming entrepreneurs across Lesotho to keep on dreaming big and never quit.”
She concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to IACoV for providing invaluable opportunities for entrepreneurs and artisans to showcase their talents, promote their businesses, and engage with potential customers.
She emphasised how such platforms empower local creators, fostering economic growth and innovation by allowing them to display and sell their products to a broader audience.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
