By: Mpho Shelile
MASERU
Nestled in the heart of Maseru, Weaving Kingdom stands as an outstanding example of sustainability, innovation, and the economic empowerment of local communities. Founded by Utloanang Nkieane in 2022, Weaving Kingdom has become a symbol of hope, especially for underserved Basotho communities. From its modest beginnings, it has risen to prominence within Lesotho’s weaving industry.
Weaving Kingdom was born out of a deep-seated desire to contribute to the local economy and provide sustainable livelihoods for the people of Lesotho.
Growing up in Leribe Maputsoe, Utloanang Nkieane witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by Basotho working in factories, often under harsh conditions with limited opportunities for growth. This experience sparked his vision to create a business that not only provided a living for himself but also created jobs and empowered his fellow citizens.
“I do not want to work for anyone in my life,” Utloanang says, recalling his thoughts as a young student. “My goal has always been to create better jobs for Basotho so they do not have to work for foreign employers.”
This determination led him to start Weaving Kingdom, a company that specialises in creating unique, locally-sourced woven products. But more than just a business, Weaving Kingdom aims to offer valuable skills, particularly in weaving, to people of all ages and backgrounds allowing them to achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence.
One of the standout features of Weaving Kingdom is its commitment to sustainability. The company focuses on weaving a variety of products, including baskets, using grass that is locally sourced. In anticipation of future shortages, Weaving Kingdom has taken proactive steps to plant grass for their weaving materials, ensuring a continuous supply for years to come.
Additionally, Weaving Kingdom’s innovative approach includes the integration of recycling into the weaving process. By incorporating recycled materials into their products, the company not only reduces waste but also teaches the importance of environmental stewardship to those they train.
Weaving Kingdom’s impact goes beyond just selling products, it is about creating long-term, sustainable change. The company is dedicated to training individuals from the age of 13 to 75, equipping them with practical skills in weaving that will allow them to earn a living and improve their standard of living. By offering training programs, Weaving Kingdom helps people develop a talent they can rely on for economic independence.
The company has a special focus on marginalised groups, including disabled individuals and herdboys who often face discrimination. By offering them the opportunity to learn valuable skills, Weaving Kingdom is helping to level the playing field and ensure that no one is left behind.
Weaving Kingdom has gained recognition for its contributions to the community and the economy. The company participated in a competition at the American Corner in Maseru, where it collaborated with four youth groups and emerged victorious, winning M10,500 for their efforts. The company’s entrepreneurial spirit was also recognised when it applied to the SEBABATSO sa ntate Matekane competition, where it placed in the top 30 out of over 400 applicants and won M18,000.
These achievements have propelled Weaving Kingdom to new heights, establishing its reputation as one of the leading companies in the weaving industry in Lesotho. With a growing team of employees and a network of partnerships with various gift shops and kiosks in Maseru, Weaving Kingdom is expanding its reach both locally and regionally, with plans to extend its market to South Africa.
No entrepreneurial journey is without challenges, and Weaving Kingdom is no exception. From limited access to capital to a lack of initial support from family and community, the road to success has not been easy. However, Utloanang’s passion and perseverance have allowed him to overcome these obstacles, and the company has continued to thrive.
“Weaving Kingdom started with just baskets, but over time, we’ve introduced innovative ideas such as weaving with recycled materials,” Utloanang shares. “This evolution has helped us expand our offerings and establish ourselves as a leading supplier of woven products in both Lesotho and South Africa.”
The vision for Weaving Kingdom in the next five years is ambitious yet achievable. The company aims to establish large-scale factories where Basotho of all ages can come to learn and perfect their skills in weaving and other related trades. Utloanang envisions a future where everyone has the opportunity to learn a craft and pursue their passion, free from limitations.
“We want to create a space where every Mosotho child can come and learn a talent,” he says. “It is not just about building a business, it is about building a community and a future where our people can thrive.”
As Weaving Kingdom continues to grow, its focus will remain on empowering the people of Lesotho, fostering sustainability, and creating innovative products that not only showcase the beauty of traditional weaving but also serve as a tool for economic development.
Weaving Kingdom is not just a business, but a movement. If you are passionate about supporting local entrepreneurship, sustainable practices, and the empowerment of Basotho, Weaving Kingdom invites you to be a part of their journey. With training programs set to begin in February, now is the time to get involved and learn the art of weaving.
“Being an entrepreneur is not easy, but it is a rewarding journey that requires perseverance, passion, and a commitment to making a difference. At Weaving Kingdom, we are building something far greater than a business, we are creating a future of sustainable employment and empowerment for the people of Lesotho. Together, we can weave a kingdom of opportunity for all.”