GAPA is affiliated to Sibanye which is a non governmental organisation that seeks out markets for the crafters of Khayelitsha. Sibanye has sourced several contracts for the grandmothers of GAPA. These contracts are mostly for crochet work. When a job is sourced, grandmothers who are able to do the necessary handiwork are invited to attend the work groups held in the GAPA centre. Some work is then taken back to the co-operative groups where grandmothers organise the labour at their homes. Sibanye displays some of the work done by grandmothers at trade shows while some work is sold in their tourist centre in Khayelitsha.
Handicraft items made in the groups are often sold within the township. Grandmothers are encouraged to create their own markets and to make items that are wanted by their communities.
GAPA has a store in the grounds of its multipurpose centre. Here new beadwork, bags, cushions and other articles, made by grandmothers are displayed and sold.
The income generation project at the GAPA centre is run by Ms Florence Hlangadala. Ms Hlangadala was trained by Sibanye. She manages the shop and supervises the manufacture of goods that have been ordered by customers. GAPA grandmothers have knitted scarves, crocheted motifs, made toys and bags in large numbers for companies.
CO-OPERATIVES
Once a grandmother considers herself ready to work without the support of the group leader she is encouraged to join or form a business co operative. These co- operatives also contain ten grandmothers. They meet in each others homes and work together to increase the household income of the members. Co-operatives elect their own chairman, have a secretary who records the minutes and a treasurer who keeps the financial records. Co-operatives market their own products in the township. Co-operatives are given assistance by GAPA to purchase some of the materials needed to manufacture their goods.
GAPA supports 10 co operatives in Khayelitsha, 5 in Gugulethu and 5 in a rural area of the Eastern Cape.
