Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
Hand-made with love
Due South Craft Routes
Craft routes, South Africa - meet the artists.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
While traditional craft remains popular, many crafters now draw inspiration from contemporary lifestyles.
Are you intrigued by South Africa's creative culture? Do you wonder about how to find exactly the right items you desire? And best of all, do you want to meet the people that make them?
If you answer yes, then you should consider Due South craft routes in South Africa.
Your first step is to acquire the Due South Craft Route travel guide, a large brightly coloured book on sale in most good bookshops. In it you'll find carefully detailed pointers to more than 500 craft projects, categorised by province.
Each entry has contact details and a description of the craft or crafters. A compelling feature is that the book also suggests places where you can stay over, and details other attractions in each region.
It's a brilliant service to visitors and the project helps the crafters to generate an income. Due South arts and crafts are spread the length and breadth of the country and you can design your own craft route through South Africa via the products that interest you.
The main attraction, arguably, is being able to meet the crafters and artists themselves. Go to Agora Crafts Centre in the Karoo town of Hanover and meet Joel Moagi, for example, who incorporates Tswana myths and fears about nature's unpredictability into his work.
Or to Glaasstudio in the southern Free State town of Jagersfontein to find a beautiful blend of African and French wirework, adorned with beads and stained glass.
Or head up to the Venda Art Route, where you will find many fascinating sculptors, including Albert Munyai. He believes that when God created the Universe, He was making art. On this broad canvas he gave each plant a rustle, insects a sound, animals a call, every bird a song, and people different colours, shapes and languages.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Lise Liebenberg
Tel: +27 (0) 12 362 0096
Fax: +27 (0) 12 362 0204
Email: duesouth1@mweb.co.za
How to get here
One of the joys of this route guide is that chosen routes can be picked up and dropped at any stage of the journey, giving great flexibility. Or you can check your existing route for additional crafty add-ons.
Get around
It's essential to have your own vehicle. While some of the crafters are on main tourism routes, many are not.
What will it cost
A bit of haggling is always enjoyed, but be sensitive. Some items border on art, and may have taken the creator many hours to make.
What to pack
Bear in mind that the items you buy may not be welcome back home. For example, wooden carvings are forbidden in Australia.
Best buys
Because you're mostly buying direct from the crafters, you'll generally be getting good deals.