Illuminating the flame in other’s homes

Semphete Pottery is a primary cooperative for people with disabilities located in Morokweng. 

It is owned by Linda Kedidimetse Mothibedi.

Established in 2010, this cooperative is dedicated to the art of pottery, blending traditional techniques with modern designs to create unique and high-quality ceramic products.

Semphete Pottery was established to empower local artisans with disabilities and promote economic development within the community. The community, comprising senior citizens, rely entirely on their SASSA grants for a living.   The cooperative trains its members, enabling them to hone their skills and produce marketable pottery items. This initiative preserves the cultural heritage of pottery-making and aims to create sustainable livelihoods for the artisans involved.

The cooperative is known for its diverse range of ceramic products, including:

• Functional Ware: Everyday items such as bowls, mugs, plates, jugs, tea sets, fancy goods and vases.
• Decorative Pieces: Artistic creations that serve as home décor.
• Custom Orders: Tailored pieces designed to meet specific customer requirements.

Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high quality and durability. The artisans at Semphete Pottery use locally-sourced materials, which add a unique touch to their creations.

Semphete Pottery plays a significant role in the local community by:

• Providing opportunities for Skill Development: Equipping the local women in the community with the skill and knowledge in pottery-making.

• Economic Growth: Contributing to the local economy by trying to generate income by selling pottery products.

Semphete Pottery is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in fostering economic development and preserving cultural heritage. Through its dedication to quality craftsmanship and community empowerment, the cooperative strives to overcome challenges and build a business to sustain its livelihoods and those of future generations.

Linda, an exceptional woman from the rural area of Tshetshu, located just 10 kilometres from Morokweng, possesses remarkable talents. She is not only adept in the craft of pottery but also excels in dressmaking, a skill she inherited from her mother, who is a talented tailor. Additionally, gardening is another artistic pursuit that showcases her creativity. Even though she, too, has physical challenges, she refuses to let her disabilities stand in the way of her dreams and ambitions.

Driven by her desire for success, the need to provide for her children, starting a soup kitchen and the goal of reducing poverty in her village, Linda has continued to pursue her business despite numerous obstacles, including living in a remote area without transportation or a dedicated premises of their own.

The local chief has allocated a site for them; however, they require funding and support to build a facility for the cooperative. Additionally, they need:

• Transportation
• Sign Board
• Inventory of Products
• Suitable Location
• Gazebo
• Umbrella
• Folding Table
• Folding Chair
• Technical Machine (GIGA machine) for pottery production (Currently, they use a manual machine, which significantly slows the manufacturing process).

For product orders, contact Semphete Pottery.

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