Two South African exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show feature spectacular beaded objects. The aloe plants are produced by the Umcebo Trust Crafters from Durban.

Kirstenbosch features Umcebo's aloes

Umcebo Trust’s beaded aloes are a main feature of the Kirstenbosch-South Africa exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show which takes place from 22 May to 26 May in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, London.

The Kirstenbosch-South Africa exhibit, co-ordinated by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and sponsored by First National Bank (FNB), was designed by David Davidson and Raymond Hudson in collaboration with Durban-based Obbligato, manufacturers of contemporary plant pots and garden furniture.

Nature's Golden Ratio - the Fibonacci Series is the inspiration for this exhibit, which is hoping to collect its 29th gold medal.

eThekwini Municipality goes for gold

The theme of Durban’s exhibit is "Gateway to Durban" which depicts scenes from KwaZulu-Natal's flora, fauna and rich culture. It includes a wire and beaded version of the Big Five, a rickshaw, a water feature and a signature aloe plant.

“We’re going for gold,” says Thembinkosi Ngcobo, Head of the Durban’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department. "This is a big opportunity to showcase our national heritage and the city.”

Umcebo Trust - "painting with beads"

The Umcebo Workshop (Umcebo is an isiZulu word meaning ‘treasure’) in Durban is a rainbow of colour, with beads, baubles and wire on every surface, and gorgeous artworks in varying stages of completion hanging on the walls and stacked on shelves and on the floor. The range is limitless, reflecting the vivid imaginations of the crafters. Work is also undertaken on commission, to the specifications of the client.

The creative force behind the Umcebo Trust is Robin Opperman, a former special needs art teacher. He has created a non-threatening and secure environment in this workshop, where people from surrounding communities gather and work on both joint and individual projects. "Painting with beads" is one of the many things the crafters do.

When one looks deeper, it is within the social context of poverty, unemployment, prejudice, disability and HIV/AIDS that these young people first become involved with the Trust. Skills development and personal growth are part of the journey they travel as they generate income from the sales of their craft.

Their work has recently been sold to clients like Oprah Winfrey and Rita Marley and they have been part of SA Fashion Week and the Design Indaba.

Bongani Gumede of Umcebo Trust

Bongani Gumede, 20, is a former street child who has been working with the Umcebo Trust for two years. He and the talented Umcebo crafters have created the aloes that will be used in the Kirstenbosch exhibition at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Gumede has never traveled further than KwaZulu-Natal, but he is excited when his beadwork is showcased in galleries and homes around the world.

“The work at the Umcebo Trust has helped me to see a brighter future for myself,” he says.

All photographs by Peter Bendheim Photography.

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