Senzo Kuhle is a group of women who were helped by a local businessman (who prefers to remain anonymous), to form a Self Help scheme in Chesterville - a township near Cato Manor, Durban.

"Senzo Kuhle" literally means "We make beautiful things" and these Zulu women who work together in one of the classrooms of an old mission school use needlework and rug making skills to earn enough to help their families. They are not recipients of any charitable 'handouts' - but rather help themselves and each other by making beautiful things - hence - "Senzo Kuhle".

One of their recent projects has been to make Zulu versions of what came to be known as "samplers". Victorians, particularly, would have the young girls of the family practice their cross-stitch in the form of a "sample" - which usually gave the name of the young girl in question and illustrated her ability to stitch pictures, letters, numbers or a family story.

Victorian samplers are often seen at antique auction and fairs and are the subject of lively bidding, being well sought-after by collectors and interior designers. The "Zulu Samplers" have various themes - ranging from a family’s story of hardship, to pictures of 'the folks back home' - from patriotic fervour, to the bible - and even Bebop jazz. They are charming in their very simplicity - and like the samplers of old, are in plain brown frames.

This is a very "different", very honest form of art which died with Queen Victoria but has been revived by a group of Zulu ladies who place 'development' before donation.

The Samplers will be for sale at the Blue Caterpillar Art Gallery and the exhibition will run from March 8 to April 9. More information on 033 387 1356 or e-mail: art@butterflies.co.za