Barbara: "We were entering uncharted territory. People could be excused for having thought we were monkeying around.” Hence the name Monkeybiz, which satisfied their own sense of irony as much as it poked fun at the establishment.

A desire to create employment and empowerment for disadvantaged women in Cape Town has led to the creation of Monkeybiz. In the process a revival of an ancient beading tradition in Southern Africa was triggered.

How we started

Back in 1999 Makatiso , an experienced and skilful bead artist received a straightforward brief: “Do a doll that looks unique.” The result was so fresh, inspiring and captivating that Monkeybiz was born.

The early days were difficult. Carrol Boyes, an iconic South African designer, donated office space to Monkeybiz at her headquarters in the Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, and founding directors sweated blood lugging beads around and motivating the artists.

The artists would bring their work to the Monkeybiz office every Friday where all beadwork was purchased on the spot - to a clamour of approval! Nowadays, pieces are accepted only after thorough assessment.

Market days have grown substantially and the boisterous passion expressed at the event continues to be an experience to behold. Even though the first dolls were simple in design and execution, the potential of the beaders was self-evident.

So convinced were they of the integrity of the items that they invested R350,000 (roughly $50,000) of their own money to fund the project - buying more beads and getting additional beaders on board.

Even though the first dolls were simple in design and execution, the potential of the beaders was self-evident.

Three people - Mathapelo, Makatiso and Eunice - have played, and continue to play, a critical role in this upliftment process. Mathapelo, the project’s community co-ordinator and communications kingpin, is a vital link between the administrative office and the artists in the townships. Makatiso has taught many of the existing Monkeybiz artists how to bead; her house in Macassar, Khayelitsha, is a hive of beading activity.

And Eunice, who along with Barbara had represented Monkeybiz at an exhibition prior to the 46664 concert in Tromsø, Norway, in 2005, is another prominent mentoring figure.