“This isn’t just crafting. It’s generational talent, wrapped in culture and story, and that’s what gives it real, lasting value.” ~ Angi Ellet.
On 4 July, Angi Ellett, Community Income Generation Manager at the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, introduced the Kulani Collective – a growing initiative supporting artists and crafters in rural communities through mentorship, skills development, and market access. Born out of COVID-era reflections and a desire to build resilience beyond tourism, the collective focuses on empowering creatives with ancestral skills while integrating conservation and sustainable development goals.
The Collective has evolved into a multi-faceted platform that includes local and national market access (through physical shops, farmers markets and online catalogues), youth training, collaborations with fashion designers and plans to scale into high-end and international markets. Kulani also links strongly to K2C’s broader mandate by integrating business training, conservation value chains (such assustainable leather) and cultural storytelling as a catalyst for community upliftment.
Thank you to Hoedspruit FM Stream for giving K2C this platform to share our story!