ARTIST PROFILE

Zodwa Sibiya is a skilled wire basket weaver from Zululand, now based in Matata, eNanda. She learned her craft in the vibrant KwaMashu Siyanda weaving community, a hub known for its rich tradition of telephone wire art. Over 21 years, she has developed a unique style, creating bowls that combine geometric patterns with animals, human figures, and elements of nature, reflecting both technical mastery and creativity.

Her complex designs were first inspired by Vincent Sithole, the late master weaver, and she went on to weave animals and human figures into her bowls. She said she loves weaving elements from nature, particularly animals, trees, and plants. Her work reflects the beauty she sees in the natural world, and she believes every piece should carry that beauty to wherever it goes.

She explains that telephone wire weaving requires more than technique. “You must have a good eye for colour,” she says. Choosing the right wire combinations takes skill, instinct, and experience. For her, colour is never accidental — it is always intentional.

Her work is highly detailed, requiring careful selection of wire colours and precise weaving techniques. She has contributed to collaborative initiatives, including the DiroZulu Project, which explored contemporary interpretations of telephone‑wire art. Her bowls have also been featured internationally, including in The Pasatiempo magazine in New Mexico. Each piece is crafted with dedication, designed to be both functional and beautiful, representing the innovation and skill of South African wire weaving.

She is deeply dedicated to her craft. When she works, she takes her time, handling each bowl carefully because she wants it to be something she can be proud of and something that will bring beauty wherever it finds a new home.