Divas launch Toy Range

African Divas is proud to introduce their new Toys, Cushions and Tableware Range.

These handmade pieces of art have been developed and created by the talented crafts women at African Divas. Our range is set to expand to various other cute and lovable creatures. These items all have an added piece of love and dedication and are sure to warm the hearts of any adult or child who purchases and keeps them.

The added benefit to this range is that we have been able to provide skills and job opportunities to the hard working men and women behind the scenes. We at African Divas don’t just sell products we change lives.

Watch this space for more exciting creations and additions. Please contact any of our enthusiastic sales representatives to see our entire collection or for more information.

A celebration

On the twelfth day of Christmas...Santa came to town. There are times that words are not necessary, and on the 12th December 2008 was one such time. Itshepeng celebrated the birth of Christ. A special occasion for all involved. Whether we celebrate Christmas or not we cannot help but be aware that the season is upon us. For the children of those that do not live hand to mouth it is an exciting time, a time of expectation, a time of great excitement.

As a child I always wrote a letter to Santa, explaining in detail that I had been a good girl this year and so expected to receive the gifts listed in my letter. I went on to describe these gifts in great detail, even drawing a picture so that he could not get it wrong. My parents always went to great lengths to make this day a day of great celebration. The memories of unwrapping my gifts under the Christmas tree surrounded by my precious family will always remain with me.

I in turn passed these traditions on to my sons, getting joy out of seeing their faces light up as they ripped christmas wrapping off presents. The noise and laughter of Christmas cheer filling the home, of my Ouma handing out mince pies and sausage rolls. A time of family, a time of sharing, a time of remembering the baby that was born in a manger, that came to give me a hope and a future. How we take for granted that we all celebrate Christmas in the same way. That all children know Santa and all children are fortunate enough to have those letters answered.

Having worked with Iris and Itshepeng has opened my eyes and given me a gift far greater than anything Santa ever brought me. The gift of knowing that not all about this season is great, there are children that never get to know that Santa. Children that never have the joy of waking up to unwrap Christmas presents under a Christmas tree. Children that are fortunate to get one meal to eat on that Christmas day, that meal we take for granted.

Looking out over a sea of expectant faces, little bodies moving in time to the music playing over the loud speakers, I knew the true meaning of Christmas. My thoughts went to Christ and what he did and stood for when he walked this earth. The sacrifice he made for others, the love he felt for others.

This day was truly about a hand full of people and companies giving purely because they had been touched by the story of Itshepeng. Sharing and giving so that these children could also have memories of Santa coming to town. Memories of getting a “new” toy wrapped in Christmas paper. Memories of hearing about the baby Jesus and how we should all love each other as we love ourselves.

Over 1000 children benefited from this day and for those of us that have never been without, it was even more special to see what can be done by so few for so many. We at African Divas and Itshepeng would like to thank all that contributed to this special occasion. To Caxton Printers for donating all the money for the food and for sponsoring our feeding scheme, we say thank you. The need in our communities are huge and this money helps feed so many desperate people.

To the friends of Itshepeng, Elain and family, Mandy and family and the many more – may God bless you because you blessed others with so many gifts. Itshepeng appreciates all help given to its community projects and wishes the readers of Evoke all the best for 2009.

The staff of african divas having fun in the sun at little falls