Gauteng-based jewellery-maker, Khomotso Maimela of KJ Creations, is confident in finding a market for her range of jewellery products that she exhibited at the 50th Feira International de Maputo (FACIM) Fair in Mozambique which ended in Maputo this weekend.
“I was inspired by the high number of visitors that came to my stand at the exhibition and show interest in my products. I am optimistic that we will soon receive orders from Mozambique and establish some clientele base there,” says Maimela.
KJ Creations was one of the 28 companies taken to Mozambique by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme to showcase South African made products and services as part of the dti’s national export and market diversification strategy for Africa.
According to Maimela, who is a jewellery design and manufacturing alumni at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), her relationship with the dti began when she approached the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) to assist her expand her company.
“It was through Seda that I was introduced to a host of the many services that are offered at the dti. I learned of the EMIA scheme through one of my continuous engagements with the dti officials and have to date been afforded the opportunity to showcase my products in London, the United States of America and Italy,” says Maimela.
She added that her products range from affordable pieces for the South African retail market and high end pieces like wedding jewellery.
“Our products are manufactured using materials such as gold, silver, palladium and platinum. We can also design our products according to the client’s specifications,” says Maimela.
She adds that she has always wanted to explore and see what opportunities are there beyond the borders of South Africa.
“I have heard through industry insiders that Mozambique is a fertile ground in terms of developing my business. That is why I made this trip and it is my hope to make notable contacts as a first step to creating a presence for my organisation in the country,” she says.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Twitter: @the_dti
