Background
Meet Tandzile Mwelase, from the Kingdom of Eswatini. Though trained as a teacher, she now works as a security officer. “I have experienced the harsh realities of unemployment,” she shared. While job hunting in 2021, she rediscovered crocheting—what began as a YouTube-learned hobby soon became much more.
Her Craft
Tandzile’s crochet work goes beyond basics—she creates swimwear, cardigans, hair accessories, hats, dresses, and a wide range of wool-based pieces. She sees crocheting as a beacon of hope, a skill through which people can survive and thrive in today’s challenging economy.
Who She Is & What Inspires Her
“I would describe myself as resourceful, hopeful, and patient. Every step I take reminds me of where I’ve been and where I’m going,” she explained. Much of her inspiration comes from Instagram, where she first saw a crochet bralette top trending. Curious, she turned to YouTube tutorials, made one for herself, and soon her friends were placing orders.
What I once regarded as a side hustle became my main source of income.
Beyond online trends, she also finds inspiration in the Swazi flag, often incorporating its vibrant colours into her designs.
Challenges of the Craft
Passionate and determined as she is, Tandzile’s crochet journey has not been without hurdles. The biggest obstacle is funding—wool and needles are costly. “The little money I earn from my security job only covers rent, food, and bills,” she explained.
Another challenge is the high cost of quality wool. Customers sometimes request items requiring premium yarns that are not even available locally.
She also faces the reality of her customers’ unstable incomes. Many of them earn the bare minimum, and salary delays are common in Eswatini’s struggling economy. As a result, some clients pay deposits but fail to complete their payments.
Balancing her business with the stress of unemployment and the demands of her security job has also taken a toll on her mental health.
Lessons Learnt
Her crochet journey has borne both bitter and sweet fruits, but with them came valuable lessons. Chief among them is patience—each piece demands countless hours, from the first stitch to the final garment. Every creation requires both time and meticulous attention to detail.
She has also learned that no skill is ever wasted. “What I once regarded as a side hustle became my main source of income,” she emphasized. She encourages others to cultivate multiple income streams, which can make paying bills—and even saving—a reality.
Another lesson is to start where you are, with what you have. “Don’t waste time worrying about not having a knitting machine—use your hands,” she advises, urging young people to focus less on what they lack and more on what they can create.
She has also come to appreciate the power of community engagement. Sharing her story has connected her with others facing youth unemployment, inspiring them to think beyond waiting for opportunities—and to start creating their own.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Tandzile dreams of growing her business into a sustainable enterprise. Within the next two years, she hopes to open her own boutique, selling a diverse range of crochet garments and accessories.
