MonkeyBiz Africa is a non-profit income-generating bead project based in Cape Town, first started in January 2000. By creating sustainable employment, MonkeyBiz focuses on women's economic empowerment and health development in the most economically under-resourced areas of South Africa.
The MonkeyBiz project has established a vibrant community of more than 450 bead artists, many of whom are the sole breadwinners within their households. It has transformed the beaded arts market in South Africa. Departing from the culture of mass-produced curio craft, each MonkeyBiz artwork is unique and is signed by the artist, ensuring that individual artists receive recognition for their work.
All of the profits from the sales of artworks are reinvested back into community services, including weekly soup kitchens, yoga, drama , as well as a burial fund for artists and their families.
