Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ALONG the busy Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway in Gwayi, a community-driven ceramics project is quietly transforming local livelihoods through the use of indigenous resources.
Motorists travelling between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls are met with roadside displays of ceramic products, reflecting a growing enterprise rooted in tradition and innovation.
At the centre of the initiative is the Kalaga Producers Cooperative, where members convert locally sourced clay into a range of products, including tiles, bricks, sewer pipes and decorative artefacts.
Chairperson Mr Philip Mzamba said the process begins with manual clay extraction.
“The clay we use is locally sourced. We extract and prepare it ourselves. It is not easy, but we have mastered the process over time. We refine it into fine raw material suitable for various ceramic products,” he said.
Established in 1987, the cooperative has endured over the years through skill and resilience, maintaining a labour-intensive production process that relies heavily on manual work.
Committee member Mr Austin Mpofu said precision is key in production.
“After shaping, the artefacts are fired in kilns at high temperatures, making them strong, durable and resistant to water and oil,” he said.
The project has become a critical source of income, particularly for women, who are leveraging the initiative for economic independence.
“As women, this project empowers us to support our families and contribute meaningfully at home. We produce flower pots, animal artefacts such as fish and birds, and many other items that attract customers,” said committee member Mrs Shelter Vengesai.
The cooperative has improved living standards, with some members investing in livestock and housing, while others have accessed external markets.
“Our products are sold locally and beyond, and at one point we accessed markets in Europe,” Mr Mpofu added.
Despite the progress, the 35-member cooperative faces challenges, notably limited mechanisation.
“Most of our processes are still manual. We are appealing for machinery to improve efficiency and increase production,” he said.
As traffic flows along the highway, the Gwayi ceramics project stands as a symbol of resilience and community innovation, demonstrating how local resources can be transformed into sustainable economic opportunities.
