Swazi glass

Since its birth, Ngwenya Glass in Swaziland has been more than an inspiring success story.  It is an environmentalist's dream.

The products, which include a range of tableware, drinking glasses, vases, jugs and ornamental African animals, are all handmade from 100% recycled glass. Most of this is from soft drink bottles gathered from all over Swaziland. Not only are the people of Swaziland encouraged to collect the bottles, but Ngwenya Glass works with the local schools to instil in the children a sense of environmental awareness. In exchange for building materials and the sponsorship of the soccer team, the students must participate in clean-up campaigns.

As if willing the survival of the wildlife species that inspire their craftsmen to produce works of art, in 1989 Ngwenya Glass launched the Kingdom of Swaziland's most successful wildlife conservation fund by donating a percentage of profits from its worldwide sales. Known as the Ngwenya Rhino and Elephant Fund, its proceeds go directly to Mkhaya Game Reserve,a refuge for endangered species in the Swaziland lowveld. Since the establishment of this fund, generous donations have been received from the likes of the British Government, the European Union, W.W.F. (World Wildlife Fund of South Africa and the Netherlands), and His Royal Highness, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (who is an avid fan of Mkhaya and a regular visitor to the Kingdom of Swaziland!).

The Shades of Ngwenya glassworks in Muldersdrift outside of Johannesburg is a sister factory to the Swaziland Ngwenya Glass. Outside the factory there are mountains of recycled glass - around 1000 kilograms of glass is crushed daily and melted down in a hot furnace overnight. By the following morning, the glass is manageable for the glass-masters to begin blowing and turning and twisting it into various shapes.

In addition to the village's glass shop, there are a number of interesting arts and crafts shops surrounding a central courtyard. There are even classes offered so you can try your own hand at mosaics or painting. And when you invariably get hungry, there are two places to eat, a classic bistro and the award-winning Gilroy Brewery and pub.

It was Christmas inside the glass factory! This was a clever use of old Grolsch beer bottles. Christmas trees.

And angels too!

There are scheduled glass-blowing demonstrations at Ngwenya so check the website before you visit.