Kalkrand sisters' entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly

In a world where economic struggles often hit hardest among the elderly, retired sisters Penina Topnaar (73) and Helena Topnaar (76) from Kalkrand are defying the odds by turning their lifelong passion for crafting into a means of survival.With a rich history of creativity dating back to their youth, the Topnaar sisters have honed their skills in crafting handmade patchwork clothing, pillowcases, blankets and an assortment of beaded accessories.Despite the challenges posed by their age, they have turned their home into a bustling hub of creativity, finding solace and purpose in their craft.Speaking on the laborious process behind their meticulously crafted patchwork bedding sets, Penina said: “After you have your first cup of coffee, you have to start crafting so that you can make progress. It is quite fun, but requires a lot of energy and vitality. Once you sit and start working, it is very difficult to get up and do something else because you just want to finish what you have started.”Customer servicesTheir generosity extends beyond mere transactions, as they embrace a bartering system to ensure that their creations reach those who need them most. “The pensioner grant is not sufficient, so we make use of the gifts God gave us and taught us through our late mother,” Helena said. The sisters offer their clients the option of paying for their products in instalments, recognising the financial strain faced by many in their community.“N$800 can sometimes be a steep amount for local residents that bear the brunt of unemployment,” Penina said.“So payment can be done in the form of food parcels worth half of the full value, and pay off the remaining place in a two-month instalment.”Unwavering faithYet, their ingenuity doesn&#039;t end with their crafts.The sisters have devised a makeshift stove in their kitchen, using a hole in the ground to bake bread. “First, you knead the dough and place it in a baking pan and cover, which we then put in the manhole, stoving structure,” explained Helena.“The top of the hole is then covered with an iron sheet, atop which fire is made and the insulating heat then bakes the bread.”Despite being the sole breadwinners in a household of several children and grandchildren, the Topnaar sisters remain steadfast in their pursuit of self-sufficiency. Reflecting on their journey, they attribute their resilience to the lessons instilled by their late mother and the unwavering faith that sustains them through adversity.

Kalkrand sisters' entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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Kalkrand sisters' entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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