Retired teacher turns trash into festive creations

At 67, retired teacher Thokozile Qabaka has found a new way to give back to her community and the environment. From her home near Haven Hills in Amalinda, she has launched a small business that transforms recycled materials into festive, practical creations. “I knew I had a gift that needed to be shared,” Qabaka said.

“Instead of sitting at home, I wanted to do something meaningful for my community and the environment.” Her handcrafted items, made from plastic bottles, corrugated cardboard and fabric, have already drawn attention at local flea markets. She recently displayed her work at Christmas markets at Salt restaurant in Chintsa, Kidd’s Beach, as well as at the Christmas and Cars Market at NTT Volkswagen. I recommend them as gifts because they look beautiful, they’re reusable, and they bring joy during Christmas Qabaka said she made picnic baskets by weaving corrugated cardboard and lining them with fabric. “It’s easy to pack, keeps everything contained, and people love using them as gifts or on family outings.”