UnLtd South Africa news
UnLtd South Africa makes Level 1 Award to Johan de Meyer of Proudly Macassar Pottery, November 2011
The word “groundbreaking” is taking on a brand new meaning, with a local job creation initiative that turns clay into musical instruments winning a competitive award for social entrepreneurs.
Proudly Macassar Pottery, the only local manufacturer of clay flutes and drums, has just been given an UnLtd South Africa award for social entrepreneurs. The award consists of a package of financial and non-financial support to the value of R50,000.
UnLtd South Africa finds, funds and support social entrepreneurs, using a model developed in the UK that has spread to India and Thailand. Social Entrepreneurs are exceptional individuals who have innovative ideas to solve social challenges using business methods.
Proudly Macassar Pottery is not just about ceramics. The pottery employs interns to help them start business units of their own. It also runs life skills sessions for young people in the grip of unemployment and drug abuse in the Macassar Community. The award made to Proudly Macassar Pottery involves support to help the business achieve its financial targets, as well as the social change it wants to bring about in Macassar.
According to Tom Shutte, Programme Director at UnLtd South Africa, Proudly Macassar was given the award by the judging panel because of the work Johan done in engaging the community, his commitment to improving young people’s lives in Macassar, and the potential of the project.
The pottery has spent the last two years fine-tuning its products. According to Johan de Meyer, project manager, the udu drum is a traditional Nigerian instrument.
“The word udu literally means water pot. People sometimes ask me why a drum looks so much like a flower pot,” Johan said.
“Actually it resembles a pitcher with a hole on the side. When the side hole is struck, it creates the most amazing percussive sounds.”
For the sake of simplicity, the pottery has moved away from Western-style fingering on its flutes, opting instead for a single, large hole. Notes are produced as the musician slides his hand across this hole.
“This kind of music is evocative and slightly melancholic, but easy to play,” says Johan.
The pottery is now setting its sights on the local craft industry, as well as percussionists and music producers who are looking for a fresh, indigenous sound. The smooth sounds of these instruments feature on well-known musician Trevor Sampson’s latest CD, which will be available in music stores within the next month.
For more information, Johan can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
@zulfiqarahmed @LiamABlack @RichardAlderson @poojawarier Zulf - sorry, that's an old page you're linking to. Thanks for the promo though!
New report by @McKinseySociety on Global Financial Inclusion http://t.co/1o72eTD6 (via @LawForChange @OmidyarNetwork)
The Sinfonia of Brimingham Orchestra are holding a concert in aid of the @cftrust on Sun 4th March. More info here: http://t.co/Noc5XNXQ
@change_for_kids #socent is the hashtag for "social entrepreneurship." Its meaning varies; learn how we define it here: http://t.co/y1ZG5tTd