Specialist beadcraft worker, Hlengiwe Dube, was recently named as the winner of the Arts and Culture category of the Shoprite Checkers/SABC3 Woman of the Year Award.

Hlengiwe was motivated from an early age to make and sell beadwork. She initially sold her beadwork to the African Art Centre and later joined them full time. Hlengiwe now teaches other women how to make beads and beaded sculptures. These not only reflect their culture but are also commercially viable. She has provided many women with valuable skills with which to become self-supporting.

Hlengiwe is also making a contribution towards the fight against HIV/Aids by teaching women about the pandemic via her beadwork.

The Shoprite Checkers/SABC3 Woman of the Year 2000 Award was a major initiative for National Women's Day.