Yebo ArtReach artists have been operating the former Mahlanya Art Center for many years, teaching arts and crafts (ceramic, wirework, woodwork) to the youth of Mahlanya. After the passing of the community’s chief, the social environment became significantly more chaotic and the Mahlanya Art Center became a contested space that is no longer in use. The wish arose from the community to establish an autonomous space, The Vuka Project Space, that would function like a closed loop ecosystem. This new project is a continuation of the Mahlanya artists and founders’ efforts to establish an art space that would serve not only the Lobamba constituency, but set an example for community development for the nation.
The Vuka Project Space merges the vision of Bonginkhosi Mndzebele and the Mahlanya Art Center founders, Thabo Lukhele, Fela Dlamin, Sicelo Masuku, Nomthandazo Masuku and Skhumbuzo Matimela, to create a space for youth to engage in both creative and sustainable practices. The land that the Vuka Project Space will be built on belongs to Bonginkhosi Mndzebele, one of the founders of the Vuka Project Space. This land was allocated to him by the greater Mndzebele family, and agreed upon to use for the Vuka Project Space.
Phase 1 of the project included the construction of the workshop space, which is currently operational, and the purchase of ceramic tools. Under Phase 2, we are seeking funding for the construction of the exhibition space, gift shop and community cafe.

The Mahlanya community, home to around 18,000 residents, is predominantly young with most of its population under the age of 30. As such, there is great potential to work with youth in promoting and creating a self-reliant way of living. With the launch of the Vuka Project Space, we hope to lead by example, using creativity, sustainability, and accessibility as an economically viable lifestyle for individuals and their community.  
Once operational, the Space will house the consistent production of pottery and ceramics products, sold locally and internationally through an on-site retail shop. This will run alongside the Vuka Project Café. As a result of product sales and the Cafe’s revenue, we expect that the two income streams will provide a consistent cash flow to support the Space’s operations, therefore reducing reliance on external funding.
This model will enable us to offer free training and workshops for Mahlanya youth. Up to 20 young people per class will gain hands-on experience and practical skills through weekly ceramics classes and monthly workshops in permaculture, sustainable living, and wellness. This will not only support them in unlocking new pathways to income, but also in nurturing creative thinking, confidence, and environmental awareness.
With the establishment and operation of The Vuka Project Space, we hope to draw participation from the wider Lobamba Lomdzala constituency and, over time, replicate this model nationwide, fostering a generation of creative, self-reliant, and sustainability-minded youth ready to shape their future and their country.

The Vuka Project Space currently has six founding members who function under the structure of a co-operative, with equal ownership of the Center.
Bonginkhosi Mndzebele
Community Liaison and Landscape/Garden Lead.
-Responsible for all communication with the Mahlanya community around the short and long term development of the Vuka Project Space
-Responsible for the development of the permaculture garden.

Sicelo Masuku, Nomthandazo Masuku and Sikhumbuzo Matimela
Vuka Project Space Resident Artists
-Responsible for contributing art and crafts to the retail and exhibition spaces
-Responsible for facilitating and conducting classes and workshops
-In charge of the admin and production aspects of completing ceramic orders for clients, production schedules, and product quality checks
-Manage and supervise the workshop space

Thabo Lukhele
Treasurer and Retail Space Manager
-Responsible for the financial management of Vuka Projects in consistent consultation with the other founders
-Manage the Vuka Projects retail space and the day-to-day running of the Space
 
Fela Dlamini
Construction and Maintenance Manager
-Lead on Vuka’s construction needs at the beginning of the space’s establishment
-Responsible for the consistent evaluation of Vuka’s needs in terms of water, electricity and security

Quita Schabracq
Team Architect
-Responsible for the preliminary and technical design of the Space
-Lead on all fundraising efforts to construct the second phase