In 2004 Molo from CapeTownMagazine.com started a social project named Imba Yehvu, which means 'House of the Soil'. This all started with a meeting between us and the sincere brothers, Richard and Shawn Zindoga, and Brilliant Horongwi.
These three welding sculptors from Zaka in Zimbabwe showed us pieces of their work, now best described as African interior design. We were stunned!
Their problem was the quality, design and continuity of their artwork. Just a simple breakdown of their welding machine would mean that these great artists would land in the gutter. The improvement of their tools, designs and living environment was essential.
Together and in over 12 months of work, we have built a workshop and we have provided the three artists with better tools. The result? Three Imba Yehvu interior design ranges:
- Silver/metallic
- Imba Yehvu brown
- Rustic
The objective of getting involved was to show that 'development doesn't have to be charity'. Within the first months three companies have decided to support Imba Yehvu in return for art for retail value. A match made in South Africa!
The sculptures of Imba Yehvu are now featured in PR agencies and offices of financial companies in Europe, the guesthouse Allegria in Stellenbosch, and trendy restaurants such as Madame Zingara in Cape Town.
Imba Yehvu Interior Design from Cape Town was used in several TV programmes such as The Dutch reality soap 'The Bachelor', shot in South Africa, a large number of the design sculptures of Imba Yehvu was used, and it was used in one of the largest Swedish Tv Programme in 2006.
The new restaurant Mama Africa in Zurich will also feature the interior design. It will open on 12 September on the Heinrichstrasse 239.
More information soon. Subscribe to our newsletter for more information on this amazing interior design from the townships in Cape Town.
The aim of Imba Yehvu was originally to triple the quality of the artists' work, to increase their income and to improve their living conditions within 18 months. It takes time but we are on the right track to create a real difference!
The aim of the interior design project was reached and the standards of living have improved three fold, their income has improved threefold and the quality of art has improved threefold. to set up more projects in the future, under the Imba Yehvu name, is being looked into.
Would you like to get involved with Imba Yehvu, a social project, focused in result, in one of the Townships in Cape Town? contact us.
Cathy Clark assisted in getting our aim visualized in an incredible design, and Graham Abbott assisted in a photo shoot of the interior design.
Contact Imba Yehvu: contact us or phone us on +27(0)78.686.75.05.
