Before we dive into the story of the basket weaving retreat, it’s important to share some background on Milasande Org—who we are, what we stand for, and why this work matters.
Milasande Org was founded by Mbali Mthethwa of The Herd and Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg of The Ninevites. Rooted in the meaning of its name—"grow and multiply"—Milasande is dedicated to championing exceptional craftsmanship, preserving traditional knowledge systems, and facilitating skill transfer. At its core, it seeks to celebrate and revive traditional processes while inspiring a new generation of conscious makers and cultural entrepreneurs.
Led by a collective of formidable African women, Milasande is not only gathering and documenting regional African knowledge but also opening doors for broader global epistemologies to intersect with local practices—especially in communities untouched by and uninterested in the conventions of “International Art English.”
Now, let’s step into Milasande’s first workshop—an inspiring journey with master weaver Beauty Ngxongo.
On October 14, 2022, we had the honor of hosting a transformative Craft Retreat at Rosendal Country Retreat, a serene haven just two hours outside of Johannesburg. This special gathering was graced by the phenomenal Beauty Ngxongo, a world-renowned artist and master of Zulu basketry. Beauty’s work has been featured in countless books and magazines and is housed in some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. But beyond creating stunning baskets, Beauty weaves a legacy—a blueprint for future generations.
We welcomed 12 guests, offering them the rare opportunity to learn directly from Beauty and craft their own Zulu basket under her guidance. The retreat was more than just a workshop—it was a holistic experience. Guests were nourished with delicious, nutrient-rich meals prepared by private chef Lindiwe Shope of Lovelichef, refreshed with morning yoga sessions, and invigorated by guided walks with Nomzamo Mji, co-founder of The Tool Box.
The weekend was nothing short of magical—filled with meaningful connections, shared wisdom, and unforgettable moments. To our guests, you made this experience truly special. Your energy, enthusiasm, and openness elevated the retreat beyond words. For that, we are endlessly grateful.
To our partners:
@thetoolboxlife—thank you for keeping us centered and grounded.
@lovelichef—thank you for nourishing us with delicious meals.
@buka_andile—thank you for capturing all the beautiful memories.
This retreat was truly one to remember.