How Mercy Ndhlovu turned a childhood hobby into Nunuka Made

KWAMHLANGA – When Mercy Ndhlovu found her grandmother’s old knitting needles during the COVID-19 lockdown, she never imagined they would help shape a new future.

Today, the KwaMhlanga entrepreneur is the founder of Nunuka Made, a handcrafted crochet business whose products have found homes across South Africa and in countries including Australia and Germany.

For Ndhlovu, every crochet piece represents more than craftsmanship. It reflects family, culture and resilience.

Born and raised in Miliva, KwaMhlanga, she describes herself as a mother, daughter and sister whose values were shaped by the hardworking women in her family.

“I come from women who always found ways to provide for their families while making the most of the gift of life. Watching them taught me that no matter what challenges come your way, you keep finding solutions.”

Although KwaMhlanga has always been home, she says life exposed her to different places while growing up.

“I have moved around a lot. So much that I have stayed longer where I was in school than at home.”

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Ndhlovu worked as a professional travel consultant. Travel was her career, while crochet remained a hobby she had learnt as a child.

Everything changed when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the tourism industry to a standstill.

While spending time at home, she came across her grandmother’s knitting needles and wool. The discovery reminded her of school holidays when her grandmother taught her and her siblings crochet, weaving grass mats and other traditional skills.

Inspired by those memories, she began learning new crochet techniques online and experimenting with T-yarn while incorporating African influences into contemporary designs.

The business she created carries a deeply personal name. Nunuka was the childhood nickname her mother gave her and one that her grandmother still uses today.

“It may not have a dictionary meaning, but it carries family, love and memories.”

What began with bags made for family and friends soon attracted paying customers. Today, Nunuka Made supplies handcrafted products to clients across South Africa, while international buyers continue placing orders after discovering the brand at exhibitions.

Ndhlovu says listening to customers has helped her improve and expand her product range.

“I listen to my clients. Their feedback inspires new ideas and helps me improve my products. Every person I meet teaches me something.”

Like many entrepreneurs, she has faced challenges along the way. Initially, storage space for completed products was one of her biggest obstacles. Now that production is more organised, her focus has shifted to expanding into larger markets.

“I want to reach a stage where I can employ people and produce on a larger scale.”

The business has continued to grow through several important milestones.

In 2023, Nunuka Made exhibited at the KwaMhlanga Street Market. A year later, the brand showcased its work at the Ditsong Heritage Museum before exhibiting at Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban in 2025. This year, Nunuka Made participated in Decorex Africa 2026, introducing the brand to an even wider audience of designers, buyers and creatives.

Her work has also appeared on fashion runways through collaborations with designers during MFR shows, while a partnership with LucMo Wines has resulted in handmade wine holders that have attracted international interest.

Beyond growing her business, Ndhlovu is committed to sharing her skills. She has introduced young people at the Phumula Skills Development Centre to crochet and hopes to establish a foundation that teaches girls practical skills, including crochet and knitting, to help them build sustainable livelihoods.

“I want to continue teaching the girl child and see young people creating opportunities for themselves.”

She believes every handmade product tells a story and that incorporating Ndebele patterns into her work allows people to celebrate their heritage.

“When someone carries one of my bags, they are carrying part of our culture.”

As Women’s Month is celebrated, Ndhlovu says women entrepreneurs have an important role in supporting one another.

“I haven’t faced a challenge that another woman couldn’t help solve over a cup of coffee. Women need other women for their businesses to grow.”

She credits Margaret Mahlangu for encouraging her to explore new markets, Lucia Motloung for mentoring her in business leadership and fellow entrepreneur Josephine Komane for her friendship and support throughout her entrepreneurial journey.

Operating between KwaMhlanga and Mbombela, Ndhlovu says social media has helped transform Nunuka Made into a brand that reaches customers far beyond Mpumalanga.

One customer interaction remains especially memorable. While exhibiting at the World Travel Market Africa exhibition in Cape Town, a woman immediately bought one of her handmade laptop bags before explaining that it reminded her of blankets knitted by her late grandmother. She planned to give the bag to her sister because they both cherished those childhood memories.

For Ndhlovu, the experience captured the true value of handmade products.

“People don’t only buy the product. They buy the memories, the time, the love and the skill behind it.”

She believes businesses like Nunuka Made can strengthen Mpumalanga’s tourism industry by giving visitors authentic, locally made products instead of mass-produced souvenirs. She hopes government, tourism authorities and the private sector will continue creating opportunities for local artisans through tourism sites, airports and international exhibitions.

Looking ahead, Ndhlovu wants Nunuka Made to be known not only for quality craftsmanship but also for creating opportunities within communities.

For women pursuing their dreams, her message is one of confidence and perseverance.

“Our future is in our hands. We hold our roots. Never underestimate the gift you carry, because it could become the opportunity that changes not only your life, but the lives of others.”