Ngwenya Glass Factory History - Ngwenya, Eswatini
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denben
S 26° 13.321 E 031° 01.876
36J E 303322 N 7098235
This information board can be seen inside the Ngwenya Glass factory in Ngwenya, Eswatini.
Waymark Code: WM180FX
Location: Eswatini
Date Posted: 05/03/2023
Views: 1
In operation for more than 35 years, the Ngwenya Glass factory has become one of the most popular tourist spots in Eswatini. On weekdays, visitors have the opportunity to witness the art of glassblowing first hand. A showroom, where the glass items can be purchased, is on the property. All of the items are made of 100% recycled glass. There is also a craft centre featuring a number of shops that sell locally made products and curios.
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The sign reads: "Ngwenya Glass Factory
History
Founded in 1979 as a glassblowing factory called Swazi Glass Craft by Swedish Aid. For two years master glassblowers from Sweden trained the local people in the skills of glassmaking.
From 1981 to its closure in 1985 the factory was run entirely by Swazis.
The Prettjohn's took over the defunct glassblowing factory in June 1987. Spending a couple of months getting the machinert working and tracking down some of the original staff, they started production in August with four employees. Ngwenya Glass now employs over 70 workers including three of the original blowers.
"NGWENYA" is the Siswati name for "crocodile". The area takes its name from the mountain behind you. Viewed from the other side of Motssaane village, it looks like a basking crocodile. At its summit is the oldest iron mine in the world."