Monkey Biz's Recycled Rubber Project

In 2004, Monkeybiz began creating recycled rubber products. Located in the heart of our community, the recycled rubber workshop is where artists make rubber jewelry (necklaces, bracelets), dolls and bags from recycled tires. The rubber workshop is located in a container, which was donated by a group of African American women.

There are currently 5 women, led by Sikaa Hammer, who are creating the recycled rubber products. Not only do they have unlimited creative and design input, but they also acquire skills in working with metals such as recycled copper and aluminum that are used in necklace and bracelet design. They learn skills in hammering, filing, and molding, which are also transferable skills in other artistic realms.

The recycled rubber is obtained from old car tires from scrap yards surrounding Cape Town and is donated to the project through exchange of information and awareness-raising about the products and the project.

Monkeybiz is a non-profit, income-generating art and health project for the benefit of the artisans. They currently support over 450 women and their families – many of whom are HIV positive. By creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind beaded art pieces, the women have found a sustainable way to support themselves.

Monkeybiz provides a range of services to our community. By doing this we ensure that our community has access to the services they need to maintain their health and wellbeing. We are non-profit organization and all of the sales from our bead art go directly and indirectly (through service and running of organization) to our community.

By buying a Monkeybiz product, you are directly supporting our bead artists and their families, as well as the health and wellness services that are provided to our community.  One of the most exciting aspects of Monkeybiz products is that they are all one-off pieces. No two products are identical.

Your purchase not only supports the artisan, it supports many programs that Monkey Biz runs, including: An HIV/AIDS wellness clinic, Burial society, soup kitchen, skill development workshops, Child care and other programs.

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