Every year on the 8th of March, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, recognising the achievements, strength and contributions of women across every part of society. It is also a moment to reflect on the opportunities still needed to create a more equal and supportive world.

At Jabulani, this day is especially meaningful as we celebrate the inspiring women who form part of the JabuLadies initiative, a project rooted in creativity, resilience and community.

Behind every embroidered stitch, hand-strung bracelet and carefully crafted item is a story of determination and empowerment.

Where the Story Began

The JabuLadies initiative was founded by HERD Founder and Jabulani Owner, Adine Roode, with the vision of creating opportunities for women in the Hoedspruit community.

In many rural parts of South Africa, employment opportunities can be limited, particularly for women who carry the responsibility of caring for children and extended family members. For many households, this means relying on a single income.

The idea behind JabuLadies was simple but powerful: to create a project where women could learn practical skills, work from home when needed, and earn an additional income to support their families.

What began as a small initiative has grown into a meaningful platform for skill development, creativity and independence.

The Role of the Jabulani Housekeepers

An important part of the JabuLadies story lies within the Jabulani team itself. Many members of the lodge’s housekeeping department are also part of the JabuLadies initiative, contributing their time and creativity to the project.

Alongside their work at the lodge, these women help craft the handmade items that form part of the JabuLadies collection. From embroidery to other creative projects, their involvement reflects both skill and dedication.

Their participation highlights how the initiative connects the lodge with the surrounding community. Women from different backgrounds come together to learn, create and support one another, while developing skills that can contribute to their families and futures.

Guests at Jabulani may even encounter some of the pieces created by these talented women during their stay. Certain embroidered items have been shared as special touches or keepsakes, each one carefully made by hand.

Through the JabuLadies initiative, the women who help shape the welcoming atmosphere of Jabulani are also part of a wider story of creativity, opportunity and empowerment.

Crafting Skills and Confidence

The JabuLadies project focuses on developing skills that can be practised both on-site and at home. Training sessions take place at HERD within the reserve, where the ladies learn techniques such as embroidery, crafting and product creation.

One of the early projects included hand-embroidered bookmarks and placemats, each featuring patterns inspired by the African bushveld and the elephants cared for at HERD.

Over time, the ladies expanded their work to include a variety of unique items such as:

• Beaded bracelets featuring the HERD emblem
• Handmade paper created using recycled elephant dung
• Elephant dung soap
• Beautiful embroidered gifts and décor items such as luggage tags

Each product is crafted by hand, reflecting the time, patience and creativity of the women who make them.

Connection to the Land and Wildlife

Training sessions often take place on the reserve, offering many of the women the chance to experience the African bushveld in ways they may not have before.

Through the project, the JabuLadies also contribute to conservation and sustainability initiatives. Some assist with land restoration work, helping to remove invasive plants, clear areas for regeneration and support grassland recovery.

In this way, the project connects community upliftment with environmental stewardship, showing how conservation can create opportunities for people living alongside protected wilderness areas.

Empowering Women, Strengthening Community

Beyond the skills and income opportunities, the JabuLadies project has created something equally valuable: a supportive network of women.

The ladies come from different backgrounds and communities, but through their shared work they build friendships, confidence and pride in their achievements. Each finished item represents not only creativity but also the collective strength of the group.

The goal remains to continue growing the initiative slowly and sustainably, welcoming more women into the programme to grow their skills and expanding the range of products they can create.

Celebrating the Women of Jabulani

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the JabuLadies, the dedicated Jabulani housekeepers, and all the women whose hard work and determination continue to shape this initiative.

Their hands craft beautiful products, but their impact reaches far beyond what can be seen. Through skill-sharing, collaboration and opportunity, they are helping to build stronger families and communities.

It is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with something simple: a group of women coming together, learning together and supporting one another.

Happy International Women’s Day.

To support the JabuLadies and explore their handmade creations, visit HERD’s online shop.