The Umkhumbane Arts and Crafts centre was officially launched to a rousing round of applause from the KZN Minister of Economic Affairs and Tourism, Mike Mabuyakhulu, in a ceremony held at the centre in Bellair Road. The centre has been hailed as a beacon of hope for unemployed people in Cato Manor.

Art and craft is synonymous with tourism. It is a powerful marketing tool for our province. It is what makes our province unique and a first choice destination for international tourists. In attracting the tourist we are able to generate income and help alleviate poverty," said Minister Mabuyakhulu.
Art and craft that is produced in Cato Manor is already being exported abroad. A representative of Sizimisele Development Trust has just recently returned from a trip to France to create a market for locally produced craft.
Four women from the first group of trainees are embarking on a trip to New Zealand to market locally produced craft. The trip has been sponsored by the Greater Durban Community Foundation.
"The New Zealand government has shown a keen interest in what we produce in Cato Manor and their market seems to be unexploited," said Thandi Shange, a member of the group that will travel abroad.
The official launch of the Centre was also used as a graduation ceremony for the first 40 women who have received intensive training in the production of craft and business management skills.
The group is in the process of registering the Umkhumbane Arts and Craft Centre as a Trust. It is almost a year since the art and craft project was introduced in Cato Manor. The second group of trainees is expected to commence training during the second half of this year.

Former US President visits Cato Manor

CMDA’s Heather Maxwell (left) gives a brief overview of the Cato Manor Development Project to former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife while Councillor Mpume Chamane looks on. USAID has committed funding for the development of the Wiggins in-fill housing project.