Weaving Culture and Community: The Story of Buyiswa Gora
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025
In the heart of Makhanda, Buyiswa Gora stands as a living thread between tradition, creativity, and community empowerment. A seasoned homestay operator and textile artist, Buyiswa has dedicated much of her life to preserving and sharing the cultural richness of the Eastern Cape through hospitality, fashion, and teaching.
Though the Kwam eMakana homestay project, Buyiswa was among the passionate pioneers who helped give local tourism a more personal, community-based dimension. Her home offers visitors not just a place to sleep, but a space to experience authentic isiXhosa culture—from traditional meals to storytelling and beading workshops.
Discovering Her Path
Buyiswa’s journey into the creative and hospitality space wasn’t something she planned—it was something she lived. “I grew up doing hand sewing, altering my friends’ pants and jeans, but I never really paid much attention to it,” she reflects. After finishing school, she worked at the Boutique Shop, where she gained formal retail and design experience. Her talents later led her to Dakawa Art Centre, and eventually overseas to Sweden, where she expanded her skills in textile art as an apprentice. These formative experiences, she says, helped her “discover herself” and shape the career she now cherishes.
The Heart of Her Craft
Today, Buyiswa continues to design traditional and contemporary Xhosa attire, with a particular love for creating imibhaco, beadwork, and ceremonial garments for amagqirha (traditional healers). “Design is the part I love the most,” she says, “especially mixing colours the way the colour wheel guides us.”
Her motivation goes beyond creativity—it's about preserving cultural identity and inspiring others to find their path through skills. “I enjoy teaching others. Through DSRAC, I’ve facilitated textile art classes for schools and groups. I also exhibit my work during local events like Imbizo, where I proudly display the awards, I’ve received from the district.”
A Call to Young Women
As South Africa celebrates Tourism and Heritage Month, Buyiswa sees this as a powerful moment to engage women and youth in reclaiming traditional knowledge and using it to build sustainable futures.
“I want young girls to know that if you have a skill, you will never starve,” she says. “Be willing to be empowered. Learn. Don't waste time—these days, time is short. We may even end up having to buy time in the future.”
Lessons from Experience
Buyiswa speaks candidly about the challenges of making a career from cultural work. Access to financial support and visibility remains a hurdle, and she’s had to fight for recognition. “I’ve registered with offices like Tourism and DSRAC, but it’s tough when people don’t value this kind of work. If they haven’t lived it, they don’t understand it.”
Yet, despite the obstacles, she remains resilient and independent. “Please, women—stand on your own. Don’t be lazy. Don’t depend on anyone. I never asked for anything from anyone, and I’ve survived.”
Her message is one of strength and self-reliance. “The country is ours. There are many ways to make a living, to put food on the table for yourself and your children. Be proud, be bold, and never stop learning.”
Interested in learning more about homestay experiences in Makhanda?
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