On 1 May 2010, the Matzi Leather Co-operative hosted its official opening. Alan Winde, and Minister of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation Sakkie Jenner attended the event.

The Matzi Leather Co-operative was started after three Vanrhynsdorp women approached a local leathersmith for training. One year and many hours of mentorship later, the women – Mietjie Lott, Lindell Flink and Janet Stevens, with the guidance of CEO Alida du Preez – opened the first and only leather cooperative in the country that makes hand-stitched goods based on an 18th century manufacturing technique.

At the opening, Alida du Preez expressed her excitement about the group’s achievements: “Already, we have had orders from abroad as well as many sales from tourists passing through Vanrhynsdorp. I am pleased that the co-op has had a positive economic impact for the women involved.”

Minister Alan Winde was just as excited about the formation of Matzi Leather, stating that with hard work, the co-op could make Vanrhynsdorp the leather capital of South Africa and jumpstart tourism to the area: “Cooperatives empower people by enabling even the poorest segment of the population to participate in economic progress. While small business ventures are never an easy path at first, if one believes in ones product, and knows that it is the best there is, it will grow from strength to strength. This co-op can become a vital part of building tourism to Vanrhynsdorp because it offers the authentic experience that travellers are looking for.”

Minister Sakkie Jenner had a more sombre message: “This is an important opportunity for the residents of Vanrhynsdorp, who must make sure that they work together at all times to create something big. It is also important that we learn from best practice and transfer our skills to others.”

One of the Co-operative’s members, Mietjie Lott, said that the opening of Matzi Leather was a special moment in her life. Despite only finishing her first grade of schooling, and not being able to read or write, she has learnt a unique skill and is now earning an income for her family. She claimed that she had always wished to own a set of false teeth, and would be putting some of the profits aside to make this dream a reality.