Some would say the Namibia Craft Centre is a mini palace nestled in the Old Breweries building along Tal Street in Windhoek.
Little do most people know that it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the capital.
Officially opened in 1990 under Newveld Ventures, the centre has seen its fair share of management changes which included a number of renovations and expansions.
The new and improved centre scored Kelly MacNamara Architects an award for the design and has so far flourished in bright yellow, right in the city centre.
In fact, the area attracts about 25 000 to 35 000 visitors per year.
Proudly Namibian, 90% of the products you’ll find there are strictly local, while others may stem from other countries within Africa.
And this is a part of the rules when someone wants to rent in the area.
Currently, there are about 40 stalls in the area that each have a story to tell. Selling unique products that you wouldn’t find anywhere else such as pillows made of springbok skin, handmade jewellery made by women living on farms and even artworks painted by local artists who are eager to show off their skills to the world.
Manager Shareen Thude shared a little more about the centre. “There’s a perception that it’s for tourists only. But we encourage all Namibians to come and visit. It’s a little more than a mall.”
Interestingly enough, the massive craft centre only has a staff of three and that includes Shereen.
Applying for a stall is quite simple. You just have to keep up with the rent and of course, punctuality is key.
Staff members receive training on bookkeeping and customer service, thanks to the Embassy of Finland.
This gives those who are inexperienced a chance to sell their wares, because some people have many mouths to feed and rely solely on their products.
One such person is Morris Baba who found hope in handicraft.
“The love of art drove me to start with handicraft. It started as a hobby at first and grew into something more. My father was a diplomat and the places I lived in include Tanzania, Malawi and Zimbabwe. It was language-vexing. But when I came to Namibia, I started on the street. One day, I met Shareen, and she saw how I was. She gave me a chance to sell at the Craft Centre.”
Currently, this is his only source of income.
“About 10 to 15 people are relying on me. Some of them are even abroad.”
His skill is, in fact, self-taught.
“When I was young, I was inspired by a man who used to do carvings. I started to make some bicycles and then I went on to make elephants and geckos.”
It was difficult to garner clients, though, he explained. “Whenever I would meet someone, I would make friends with them, but it was still tough. It becomes a heavy load to sell when you’re on the streets. But Shareen really stretched her neck for me.”
In the beginning, Morris said, his family thought the centre was only for women, but he broke through the stereotype of selling there.
“My contract was even terminated at one point. But my products were selling quite well and I was brought back to the centre. I really try to be as good as I can. It is a blessing to be here.”
With his willingness to learn and friendliness towards companies, Morris, like many others in the centre, has slowly but surely gained regular customers.
Affordable and high quality products are not difficult to find, and you might even buy something that you did not know you needed!
From little dolls made from cloth and wool, sewn by skilled hands, each stall offers something different.
“For my oryx piece, for example, I use the actual skin from the animals. I get my material from the farm.”
In fact, Glenda has designed national costumes for Miss Namibia in the past with her skill.
With her shop having been open for about six years now, she has been doing fairly well and makes a decent income from her art.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
