What started as a simple idea to build a pair of wings with recycled material has turned into a project utilising 4,500 individually cut feathers. Our material of choice? White plastic milk bottles. The odd ‘Jic’ feather has snuck in, but we estimate that approximately 750 milk bottles have been used in the making of this beautiful spectacle.

Over the course of two and half months we received cut plastic feathers from over 30 beaders and crafters (including volunteers) – all of which were meticulously cut according to the template that was handed out. Due to the fact that the bottles require sourcing and then cleaning, the initial idea of cutting up recyclable plastic was not so appealing to many of our crafters; there is also the perceived lack of value in recyclable materials.

The use of plastic as an art medium is very familiar at Woza Moya, if you have been to our store you might have noticed multiple decorative pieces and accessories that are made from plastic and even our infamous glass candle holders made from Protea Wine bottles.

We take our carbon footprint and environmental impact very seriously, so when we have the opportunity to showcase the wonderful and engaging potential of recyclable materials, we always jump at the opportunity!

Did you know that 20% of the fish caught off of Durban’s coast contains plastic inside the fish? The micro plastics are broken down and digested further and further along the food chain until that seafood item makes its way onto your dinner plate. Unfortunately, the level of urbanisation and industrial construction around the harbour area means that the fish who use the harbour as a breeding and feeding ground are especially susceptible. Yum.

Our primary focus throughout this project has been to provide income and skills development opportunities that have a direct impact on our community of artists, crafters and beaders who are impacted by HIV/AIDS. Before we knew it, we had unknown crafters coming to Woza Moya to partake in our project, having heard of the success from the project, and so we welcomed new crafters into our Woza Moya family.

As we got closer to finishing the wings, we were graced with a few volunteers who were creatively inclined and assisted the painting and finishing of the wings. A special thanks to Gayle Essey and Shelley Frankish for their consistent help in painting the beautiful rickshaw design on the edge which was inspired by our tourist attraction on the Durban beach front and promenade.

Since its completion, the pair of Zulu Angel wings has travelled to markets and has been posted on many social media platforms and we have been delighted to see how enthusiastically the public has received this artwork. We hope to create a challenge that encourages the youth at various schools and partnering businesses to promote awareness and create accountability through this art challenge.