Zandla Xpressions, launched in September 2000, offers marketing support to 60 small, medium and micro enterprises producing handcrafted products made at Project Gateway and in surrounding areas. Project "Gateway" (www.projectgateway.co.za), a church based, non-profit organisation, is located in the old Pietermaritzburg prison, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

In recognition of the fact that the development of the small business sector is vital to the growth of the South African economy, and to the process of releasing South African people from dependency and the cycle of poverty, Project "Gateway" also assists in the start-up of small businesses through an Enterprise Development Programme.

Local people who have previously earned little or no income are offered business skills training, practical job skills training, marketing support and mentorship. Many entrepreneurs start their business life operating from premises on the Project "Gateway" site, thus benefiting from supervision and advice on hand, as well as access to equipment and financial and administrative services.

Our ultimate aim is to raise up well-equipped entrepreneurs running their own sustainable, profit making businesses. Our products are made to the highest quality standards, whilst retaining the character of individually handcrafted items, proudly bearing the

emblem.

We have been internationally recognised and are accredited by The International Federation for Alternative Trade.

Countries that we have exported to include the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States. Our range includes a wide variety of ethnic and contemporary beaded jewellery, home décor products, ethnic wall hangings, fibre paper products, wire & metal craft, beaded tableware, soaps, scented candles and lots more.

DieThe product range is one way in which entrepreneurs can access markets and gain exposure for themselves and their products. We hope you will work with us in this business venture, and help individuals to change.

Elsina und Dudu are a mother - daugther duo that is virtually new to the business of crochet wire jewellery making.They live in teh township of Dambuza, an area in the edendale valley 15 kilometers out of town. They have been at work for three weeks and they find their work rewarding. Elsina (the mother) has three other children and eight grandchildren, of which seven are at school and one has finished school. They have gained experience and are looking forward to a future with the business.

Francina cam to GATEWAY PROJEKT young and pregnant.She received advice, help and a job. When she started working four and a half years ago, her familiy all of whom are unemployed started relying on her for financial support. She had to put her baby in foster care due to financial strain. She has started working two jobs to earn enough money, to convince welfare officials that she wants her baby back. She is a hard worker and she works at a good pace. She sees herself living with her baby in the near future.

Nomathemba a seasoned worker of five years is an exceptional woman who is committed to her work. She is a talented designer and works at a fast pace. She is married with six children. Her daughter who is also a talented young woman worked a short stint in the business and they are clearly a talented familiy with good creative skills. Nomathemba who received no formal education is very productive in her job. She has prospects of a brighter future and who knows what the possibilities are, she might open her own business one day.