Usually, when a glass product is broken, most people, without hesitation, consign it to the rubbish bin. But for Kgabang Glass Beads Cooperative (KGBC), it is a treasure concealed in waste. The organisation, which has been running for two years now, manufactures glass beads from discarded glass used for jewelry, cutlery and decorations. Transform SA Online’s field reporter, Joy Kunene, finds out how this company is achieving this “feat” from representative.
TSAO: We are honoured to have you from Kabang Glass Beads Cooperative. Specifically what do you specialise in?
KGBC: I can go on till the cocks come to roost, but in the main we manufacture glass beads from recycled glass used for jewelry, cutlery and decorations.
We would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that we have another project called Glass Slumping where we custom make ornaments according to the clients specifications.
TSA Online: This is something unique. How did you come up with the idea?
KGBC: The idea can be credited to the Department of Arts and Culture. It fascinated us, as artists and went ahead to implement it and we do believe we have made a breakthrough. It’s quite thrilling to transform an idea into a product that vows people. We are getting there, progressively.
TSAO: What is the membership profile of the cooperative?
KGBC: KGBC: We have seven dedicated members who are all artists. We have a healthy relationship with each other and are sincere about what we want to achieve. The greatest part is that we have common goals and are committed to attain them.
TSAO: How do you manage the hazards of working with glass, from an occupational health and safety perspective?
KGBC: An empowered employee is a safe employee. We undertake several measures, but the most important approach I can underscore is that all our employees are trained to religiously observe safety measures during the manufacturing process.
TSA: Besides profit, what do you regard as the fundamental role that the cooperative plays?
KGBC: As you might be aware (I presume), the effects of climate change, which are highlighted by extreme weather conditions, demonstrate that that each inhabitant of the earth has to play a part in the best possible way they can. You might be aware that the country is experiencing extreme drought conditions which are likely to result in food insecurity. Thus, in view of these conditions, recycling of used products – not just proper disposal – is critical and relevant. On our part, we do this through recycling glass products.
TSAO: Do members of the cooperative have any qualification related to art or any background in art as a discipline?
KGBC: We are privileged to have undergone training at institutions of higher learning, something other articles have not experienced. All of us hold, at the very least, a Bachelors of Arts degree in fine art. This explains why our designs are considered to be “exclusive”.
TSAO: Are there any exhibitions that you host or are involved with?
KGBC: We take part in exhibitions such as the Soweto Exhibition and Rand Easter Show and wedding expo exhibition. We also exhibit at the Vaal.
TSAO: With the artistry that goes into the design, your products much be very expensive, out of reach for the ordinary folk. How much do you charge for your ornaments?
KGBC: We have a variety of prices to suit a customer’s preferences and affordability. The glass bead range starts from R50-R500 and the slumping range can be anything from R120 to R2500.
TSAO: In all fairness, does the process of refining and designing the beads require a qualification?
Yes there is training that one has to undergo but you do not need a specific qualification. We do train the employees on the job and, with time, they become very proficient.
TSAO: What are some of the challenges that you come across?
One gripe we have is the long time it takes to have business registration to be processed. Actually, we are waiting for documentation which is taking time to be processed.
We do not have reliable transport to carry fragile products. This becomes a problem when they use public transport to go to exhibitions.
TSAO: What are the future plans for the business?
We do plan to produce more so that we can be able to supply bigger stores with their products. Our long term goal is to be a global leader in glass beads manufacturing. We are based in Sharpeville, Soweto.
TSAO: I want to start a business with in bead making. What would you tell someone who wants to start a business in the same industry?
Going into the arts is not the same as working in a corporate environment. Be braced will be dry spells. Times when there will be no income at all. Do what you love and do not always chase money?
We are based in Sharpeville, Soweto.
