Hamburg resident Dr Carol Hofmeyer was amongst those who were recently honoured by Rhodes University at its annual graduation ceremony. She received an honorary doctorate from the Grahamstown-based institution to acknowledge her significant contribution towards upgrading the quality of life of many citizens of the Eastern Cape.

In 2000 Hofmeyer, a qualified medical doctor, founded the Keiskamma Trust, a community-based organization centred in Hamburg, a rural area of the Eastern Cape. The Trust, which works with and offers support to vulnerable people in Hamburg and surrounds, aims to instil self –esteem and self-reliance through a number of initiatives in this rural and impoverished community.  

The art element of the Trust, known as Keiskamma Art Project, has been providing artistic training and employment to over 100 Xhosa women and young men from the Hamburg region.  This initiative focuses primarily on embroidery, but is also integrating several other media such as wire and bead work, felt making, doll making, print making, painting, mosaics and ceramics. Its artistic creations currently trade nationally and internationally - some of the works are represented in Government buildings, in corporate headquarters and on History books.

“Creative expression plays such a huge role in the general wellbeing of an individual. Our Art Project does not just bring an income to participants, but a sense of pride and ownership,” explains Dr Hofmeyer.

Although the project is famous for its large tapestries such as the Keiskamma Tapestry (2004), the Keiskamma Altarpiece (2005), the Creation Altarpiece (2007) and African Guernica (2010), as well as the Rhodes University Tapestry (2011), it also makes and sells smaller craft items such as cushion covers and bags to a range of shops and private individuals.

 The Keiskamma Trust as a whole consists of three complementary programmes – Health, Education and Art and Music. These programmes aim to create healthy communities in all respects, addressing widespread poverty and other challenges through practical, holistic and creative programmes and partnerships.

The Trust’s Art Project and its founder have been the recipient of various accolades including:

·         The Keiskamma Tapestry, which was bought by Standard Bank and placed on permanent display in parliament, also won a Brett Kebble merit award.

·         Finalist at the 12th Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) awards 2009

·         Shoprite/ Checkers Woman of the Year in the Arts Category – Dr Carol Hofmeyer

·         Selected as one of only 75 organisations nationally to be a part of the Legends business development programme, supported by Old Mutual

·         The project also won the Gold Award at the FNB Vita Craft Now Exhibition in 2004, and the Chairman's Premier Award from Business and Arts South Africa in 2011.

Amongst others who were honoured alongside Hofmeyer is popular musician Vusi Mahlasela, who received a Doctor of Laws honoris. He was honoured for the role he played in helping to unify and build the South African nation as a social commentator and through the medium of popular African music.

Hofmeyer’s work has not only impacted her community in terms of artistic and creative arenas, but also in areas that involve generating income, as well as enhancing the health and general wellbeing of the community of Hamburg.

To learn more about The Keiskamma Trust and the pioneering work they do in the region, please visit www.keiskamma.org

Abram Molelemane is a journalism graduate from the Tshwane University of Technology. He has written for various publications such as Wealthwise magazine and Reckord newspaper. In 2011 he was nominated for the Reckord print journalist of the year award. He is currently employed as the media officer at Fetola ( www.fetola.co.za )

By Abram Molelemane