Artist Profile
Phumla Mramba

Born 1973, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Phumla has been beading for 19 years. She has 2 children, 1 son and 1 daughter. She loves being creative and coming up with new designs. When she isn’t beading she loves planting vegetables in her small garden.
Let’s hear from Phumla:
Ukhuliswe kanjani?
Ndakhuliswa ngumakhulu notamkhulu umamam wayephangela eGoli, Kwakumnandi ukuhlala nabo Bendifundisa imisebenzi yase khaya umakhulu wandifundisa nelokhwe yokuxhentsa eyayisenziwa ngentsimbi (isikhakha)
Any stories of your upbringing? What was your upbringing like?
I grew up staying with my grandparents. My mum was in Johannesburg working so it was very nice staying with them. They taught me how to look after the house and my grandmother taught me how to make Isikhakha- made of beads and worn by dancers.
Ndeza e Kapa uMama Makatiso wandifundisa ukwenza onodli ngentsimbi
How were you introduced to beading?
When I arrived in Cape Town, Makatiso taught me how to bead dolls.
Into endikhuthazayo ebomini kukwenza imizobo emihle nokufumana imali ndikwazi ukondla ikhaya lam
What inspires you in life?
Making beautiful designs and earning money to support my family are things that inspire me in my life.
Ndithanda into yokuba senza izinto ezingafaniyo ezinika umdla kwaye iyabaqokelela abantwana bham sihlala ndawonye sisenza intsimbi batsho bangabikho kwizinto ezenzeka phandle.
What do you love about beading?
I enjoy that we bead different things. Beading gives me an interest to have, and is the reason why my children and I can bond and be together which keeps them safe from dangerous things happening outside.
Ndingu Mama o strict ukukhuliseni abantwana bham, ndiyakonwabela ukulima imifino esitiyeni, ndiyayitha inja yam ingama layo ngu Pentha.
What do you want to be known for?
I am a strict mother when raising my children. I also enjoy planting vegetables in my small garden and I love my dog. Her name is Pentha.