Efforts are underway to make Sedgefield the mosaic town of Africa – and local craft producers and communities in Sedgefield are set to benefit from the initiative.

The Knysna Municipality appointed consultants CNDV of Knysna to recommend ideas for the rejuvenation of the Sedgefield CBD. CNDV recommended bringing the towns of Sedgefield, Smutsville and Sizamile closer together by using tourism for economic growth. It was suggested that Sedgefield could concentrate on mosaics and the Sedgefield Mosaic Art Tourism Job Creation Project was put in the hands of Masithandane Art & Crafts.

Celia and Otto Kassar, who set up the not-for-profit, public benefit organisation Masithandane Art & Crafts in 2006, are essentially the implementing agents for the initiative.  Masithandane was originally created to help previously disadvantaged and isolated communities, providing care, food and opportunities for education and employment. The project is therefore a seamless extension of its efforts to date.

The vision is for mosaic craft producers and artists to develop their talents and generate much-needed income. Hospitality ventures will be expanded and new B&Bs are planned. Taverns, cafés and pubs will also offer ‘hospitality stops’ for visitors.

Phase 1 of the project has seen learners being taught the techniques of mosaic making. Rubbish bins, bus shelters, walls and more are being decorated with mosaics and it is envisaged that commissions and orders will follow from this small business training.

Phase 2 is expanding on the project – mirrors, flower pots, house numbers and house details are also receiving the mosaic treatment. As visitors come to the town to look around, so the demand for hospitality venues will increase. Partnerships with local government, local business and big-business sponsorships will also promote the initiative.

Every Tuesday, an interactive mosaic workshop is held in Sedgefield from 9am to 12.30pm. Everyone can get involved – and everyone will benefit! For more information on the workshops, call Linda on 083 292 3368. To contact Masithandane, contact Jacky Weaver: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 044 343 2110.