Basotho blankets are renowned for their colors, geometric patterns, and cultural significance. A Johannesburg-based manufacturer creates these blankets sustainably while boosting the communities they serve.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 How a simple blanket can uplift a whole community.
00:05 There's a saying in Sistutu that says "kubo kibu pilo" meaning the blanket is life.
00:10 In every rise of passage or every part of life that one goes through, a blanket is something
00:17 that is of significance.
00:19 Because we are the prime manufacturer of traditionally worn blankets which are used throughout many
00:25 cultures in South Africa, that contributes to community, many communities.
00:31 And there's nothing more that brings warmth to a community than a blanket.
00:37 Established in 1953, Abrunda Textile Mill works to empower local craftsmen and talents
00:43 through promoting Basutu culture.
00:45 Their aim is to expand the blanket's global reach and keep tradition alive.
00:50 Kosele Teba is one designer that transformed the traditional blanket design and incorporated
00:55 his own contemporary spin.
00:58 One of the main reasons why I wanted to have a modern take on Basutu blanket, first of
01:02 all it's been always a dream for me to design a blanket.
01:06 I just wanted to create something that can relate to my people in a modern contemporary
01:11 way.
01:12 I believe we also need to look at the future of who we are and where we come from and something
01:19 that can fit in within our space in this modern time as well.
01:22 So I think it was the best decision for me to create something that speaks to our generation
01:28 as well.
01:42 This collaboration, it started off from the competition, the Nandos Hot Young Designers
01:47 competition that I entered in 2019 and I was one of the finalists.
01:51 So in the piece I had a pattern, it was a bench that was dressed with the pattern.
01:57 I just wanted to tell a story of who I am and where I come from through a functional
02:01 piece.
02:02 Also at the very same time having, you know, visuals that communicate, that tell a story
02:07 of Basutu people.
02:08 So there's different symbolisms in the pattern.
02:12 As African people, we are more visual communicators more than anything.
02:17 So we used to tell stories through shapes and form, colours and all of that.
02:22 So I took the very same principle and also used it.
02:25 So we have the hats that represents Basutu people.
02:28 We have the horses as the mode of transportation in Lesotho.
02:32 Then we have the landscape since Lesotho is known as a kingdom in the sky.
02:36 So I just wanted to just tell a full on story in a graphical representation.
02:43 So initially as Basutu people, we used to wear cowhides instead of blankets.
02:49 Then with the relationship with the kingdom of Lesotho and England, the Basutu kingdom,
02:55 we were gifted blankets, which sort of became the signature of Basutu people as something
03:01 that is also affordable that could, you know, anyone can get and it's accessible instead
03:06 of using the cowhides.
03:08 Korsi worked closely with Palesa Clady, Keri Pullman and the craftsman to bring his design
03:14 to life.
03:16 These blankets were sustainably and ethically woven while still making a direct difference
03:20 in its broader community.
03:22 For me, it goes beyond just the fact that we employ people from the local community.
03:30 The actual product we make has such an impact on so many communities throughout South Africa
03:35 and Southern Africa.
03:36 The fact that for the first time, young Basutus who are Basutu, real from the origin of Basutu
03:43 people, are having a platform to actually showcase their designs, which for me is just
03:49 something that means that the youth and also the heritage grows for years and years to
03:54 come.
03:55 And that's for me, is something that's precious.
03:58 Our relationship with the royal family from Lesotho actually stems a generation before
04:02 the current.
04:03 The Queen Mother realized that the blanket wearing tradition was dying a little bit.
04:11 So the relationship with them is more of a blessing and we are able to actually keep
04:17 the culture alive and we get the blessing because that is something that we do as a
04:23 blanket manufacturing.
04:25 From local royalty to world fame, the blankets garnered more hype when reaching Hollywood.
04:30 What do you know about Wakanda?
04:33 The blankets were featured in the first Black Panther movie, as far as I remember.
04:38 I think that showcasing of the blanket on such a big world stage made sure that we are
04:45 seen.
04:46 The blanket wearing tradition is quite unique to South and Southern Africa.
04:51 And I think for us to have that being shown on the world stage was so incredible and such
04:58 a source of immense pride.
05:00 And I think they did such an incredible job, not just with the Basutu blankets, but you
05:04 can see they really did their homework when it came to African wearing traditions.
05:09 For us, it actually cemented the fact that our culture is important.
05:14 Beyond bringing awareness to Basutu culture locally and internationally, majority of the
05:19 craftsmen employed at the factory live in the small town of Branfontein.
05:23 Here they are equipped with the skills to empower themselves.
05:28 It has impacted me, my life in a very great way.
05:33 Because I started here as a learner, I was in a learnership and then after learnership
05:37 and then I became a supervisor.
05:40 But then after I left, then I came back now as a production manager.
05:44 So already I've got experience now, it has added value into my life.
05:49 This is not just a blanket, it's honorary regalia, connecting communities and spreading
05:55 the message and actions of Ubuntu, which means humanity to others.
05:59 (dramatic music)