Meet Mathapelo Ngaka-Mtati, co-founder of Monkeybiz, a visionary second-generation beadwork artisan and community leader. As Community Coordinator and Chief Communicator of Monkeybiz, Mathapelo continues a legacy that began in Khayelitsha, Cape Town - where she and her mother, Makatiso, created the very first beaded doll in 2000.
This small act of creativity inspired South African ceramicists and art collectors Barbara Jackson and Shirley Fintz to establish Monkeybiz, a pioneering non-profit beadwork project. What started as a grassroots art initiative has grown into a sustainable movement - now empowering over 250 bead artists from Cape Town’s townships.
A Legacy of Art, Empowerment, and Community
Today, Mathapelo mentors and guides hundreds of artists, ensuring that each beadwork creation tells a story of joy, resilience, womanhood, and African pride. The Monkeybiz sculptures, tableware, and creatures featured in AAFRICAA Store are not just decorative - they are symbols of culture and empowerment, each handcrafted with care, colour, and purpose.
As Mathapelo explains “ I love my work because we can give hope and income to many artists and that Monkeybiz is helping to keep the important tradition of beading alive by passing the craft down to younger generations. I enjoy the collaboration and uniting with others as it helps to strengthen our creativity.”
Every bead is a celebration of creativity and community upliftment. Each piece carries the artist’s unique signature style, combining traditional beadwork techniques with contemporary African design.
Craft with Purpose
At AAFRICAA, we are honoured to collaborate with Mathapelo Ngaka-Mtati - not only for her artistry and leadership, but for the integrity and hope she brings to every bead, stitch, and strand.
Discover the spirit of African craftsmanship and support sustainable artistry that changes lives.
