A powerful wave of creativity and empowerment is transforming Ngqwara Village near Mount Frere, thanks to the launch of the Bavulele Art in Residency program — the first of its kind in the rural Eastern Cape. Founded by photographer and storyteller Charmain Carrol, the initiative is hosted at her ancestral home, once belonging to her late mother, and aims to give rural women the tools to thrive through art.
The residency, a collaboration between Nomonde Mafunda Foundation, Bavulele Ntsikhwe Mbokazi Art Center, and the Muholi Art Institute (MAI), provides local women artisans with hands-on training in beadwork and crochet, while fostering unity and community spirit.
“This community is my heart,” Carrol said. “The residency is at my house, on land steeped in family history. These women are enjoying every moment, bonding deeply, and producing high-quality pieces that could change their lives.”
Inspired by generations of strong women — including her grandmother, a skilled potter, and her mother, a self-made entrepreneur — Carrol transformed her family home into a hub of rural innovation.
Official Response
Program collaborator Nomonde Mafunda has been instrumental in guiding participants through the art of crochet, helping them develop both confidence and craftsmanship. Mafunda’s mentorship has turned uncertainty into enthusiasm, with women who were once camera-shy now proudly posing for daily group photos.
“There’s been a profound shift,” Carrol explained. “They come even in the rain, without facilitators, and support each other through hardships. This is true community building, where wool brings us together and elevates us all.”
Despite cultural challenges, including resistance to women-led initiatives, Carrol has remained steadfast. “I’ve learned to adapt, to be patient, and to lead with purpose. This experience has prepared me to handle any situation,” she said.
Community Impact
The residency is more than an art program — it’s a model for rural economic empowerment. The women plan to sell their creations, reinvest profits into new materials, and expand future residencies to neighboring villages. Local chiefs have already shown interest in replicating the program in their communities.
For Carrol, the vision extends beyond her hometown. “Art can put food on the table,” she said. “Parents should let their children pursue it. Teachers should take art education seriously — not all kids excel in academics, but many shine through creativity.”
The Bavulele Art in Residency stands as a beacon of possibility — proving that even in the most remote corners, art can rebuild communities, preserve culture, and create livelihoods.
