Wire Weaving Demonstrations

Bongeleni Mkhize was born in Greytown, South Africa but later moved to Siyanda with her mother Jaheni Mkhize, who made her mark in the legacy soft-wire telephone wire weaving. Taught by her mother, Bongeleni started selling her weavings in 1997 and she continues to build on her popular stich, exploring it further and moving her work in different directions. Bongeleni is teaching her son, Andile, ensuring her family’s legacy will be passed on to the next generation. Bongeleni sells her work at Zenzulu and to private collectors.

Ntombfuthi (Magwaza) Sibiya was raised in KwaNongoma in the rural northern region of KwaZulu-Natal and moved to Isiyanda in 1992. Anamaria Dlamini first exposed Ntombifuthi to hard-wire weaving and was kind enough to teach her. Ntombifuthi has been crafting her unique, abstract voice since she first encountered a geometric pattern that resonated with traditional beadwork from her home of KwaNongoma. Since that first inspiration, her designs have morphed organically, developing in her mind serendipitously. Ntombifuthi’s late husband was also supportive and assisted in concept design. Ntombifuthi’s work is collected in many local South African museums including the Phansi Museum and KwaMuhle Museum Collection. She sells her works at the African Art Centre, Zenzulu, and to private clients.

Hlengiwe Dube is an artist, author, and the founder of Ifundiso Trading. Born in New Hanover in 1974, she was raised in the Valley of Thousand Hills in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her grandmother imparted the art of beadwork during her youth, fostering her development as a contemporary designer who draws inspiration from traditional motifs. Dube is now recognized as an expert in Indigenous knowledge within South African craft. Her expertise extends beyond artistic creation, and includes the larger contextualization of South African folk art and the advancement of local art forms–particularly beadwork and telephone wire baskets. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Living Legend Award in 2012, Woman of the Year in 2000, and the Amafa Heritage Award in 2012.

This event is presented in conjunction with MOIFA’s current exhibition, Ngqikithi yokuPhica / Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art from South Africa, on display through March 30, 2026.

Photo: Ntombfuthi (Magwaza) Sibiya, Bongeleni Mkhize, Hlengiwe Dube. Courtesy of International Folk Art Market