Rasswater Community Craft Development (Pty) Ltd
| Business Location: | Township |
| Province | Northern Cape |
| Branch: | ZF Mgcawu |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Company |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Raaswater likely supports the creation and sale of traditional and contemporary handmade goods, such as:
Textiles & Apparel
Handwoven fabrics (e.g., scarves, shawls)
Embroidered garments (e.g., dresses, shirts)
Batik or tie-dye products
Home Décor & Furnishings
Pottery and ceramics (vases, bowls)
Baskets and rattanware
Wooden carvings or furniture
Jewelry & Accessories
Beaded necklaces, bracelets
Leather goods (wallets, bags)
Metalwork (silver/brass ornaments)
Art & Cultural Items
Paintings or prints by local artists
Traditional musical instruments
Handmade paper products
Sustainable/Eco-Friendly Products
Upcycled crafts from recycled materials
Natural dye-based products
Organic fiber items (e.g., jute, hemp)
Challenges/Needs:
pursuit of growth and sustainability:
1.
Limited Market Access - Many local artisans struggle to access larger markets beyond their immediate community. Without connections to retail outlets, craft fairs, or online platforms, products often remain unsold or undervalued.
2.
Lack of Business and Marketing Skills - While community members may have strong artistic abilities, they often lack formal training in pricing, branding, marketing, customer service, and financial management—skills essential for business growth.
3.
Insufficient Funding and Resources - Craft initiatives usually rely on external funding and donations. Without consistent financial support, buying materials, paying stipends, or investing in equipment becomes a challenge.
4.
Limited Infrastructure -Poor infrastructure such as inadequate workspace, limited electricity, or lack of internet access hampers productivity and prevents artisans from engaging with digital markets or promotional opportunities.
5.
Low Product Quality Standards - Inconsistent quality or lack of proper finishing can make it difficult to compete in mainstream craft markets. This is often due to limited training in quality control or lack of access to proper tools.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
1. Marketing and Promotional Material
2. HR and Payroll Policies and Implementation
2. HR and Payroll Policies and Implementation
Outcome Details:
1. Visibility and market reach.
2. Proper implementation of labour reations ACT and implementation of payroll policies.
2. Proper implementation of labour reations ACT and implementation of payroll policies.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
The interventions yielded the following results for Raaswater Community Craft Development:
1.
Business Development Training: The client successfully completed business development training, equipping her with essential skills to enhance her business operations and management capabilities.
2.
Finance and Legal Support: The business was assisted with the development of two -year Annual financial statements as well as the funding application for the Asset Assist Programme.
3.
Turnover: Upon improvement assessment conducted, there has been a turnover increase from R 112 760.00 to R 329 718.00 from the previous financial year.
4.
Employment: There is an increase in employment, from 4 employee to an additional 6 contract employees. The business has 10 employees currently including the director and plans to increase them further.
1.
Business Development Training: The client successfully completed business development training, equipping her with essential skills to enhance her business operations and management capabilities.
2.
Finance and Legal Support: The business was assisted with the development of two -year Annual financial statements as well as the funding application for the Asset Assist Programme.
3.
Turnover: Upon improvement assessment conducted, there has been a turnover increase from R 112 760.00 to R 329 718.00 from the previous financial year.
4.
Employment: There is an increase in employment, from 4 employee to an additional 6 contract employees. The business has 10 employees currently including the director and plans to increase them further.
