Woza Moya (Come Spirit of Change in IsiZulu language) is the economic empowerment project of Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust. Woza Moya's mission is to unearth creativity that creates economic empowerment through traditional quality local crafts made by people in need.
Started in 2002 with five beaders making AIDS ribbons at a local church, the project now supports more than 350 crafters, most of whom have 5-10 dependents. Crafters were referred to Woza Moya by other HACT departments, including the respite unit, counselling department and home based care project. Once the men and women are enrolled with Woza Moya they are then trained in a craft, most commonly beadwork or sewing.
The crafters are mostly women and are almost all first time money earners, having set up bank accounts for the first time in order to receive they payments from Woza Moya.
The African bead jewellery items are crafted by HIV impacted individuals based in South Africa. This project is run by a non-profit company, The Hillcrest AIDS Centre, which has assisted people impacted by HIV since 2000. Through this program, approximately 350 individuals generate a much-needed income by crafting these beaded items.