Frank Malatji: From Nyagelane to Kaross

There is a quietness to Frank’s home in Nyagelane Village.

It's simple, peaceful. The yard is neat, with vegetables growing alongside the house and a small kitchen standing just outside. These are the familiar surroundings in which Frank lives and works, and where he spends his days when he is not on the soccer field. As he stood beside the kitchen for his photograph, the brilliant blue sky above seemed to bring the muted greys of the concrete to life. There is a sense of order, pride and quietness in the space he calls home.

It is the house where he was born and raised, where he grew up with his mother, Anna, and his four siblings. Today, he still lives there, although the house is quieter now. His mother has passed away, and Frank lives alone.

It is here, in the same home that has been part of his life for forty years, that Frank does much of his embroidery for Kaross.

His embroidery, too, is something that came to him through his family.

Most of our embroiderers are women, which makes Frank's place among them particularly special. But his work speaks for itself.

He has developed a real love for the craft, and especially enjoys making what we call “kolletjies” — small, spaced stitches that add texture, depth and another layer of detail to the piece. He also particularly enjoys working on large wallhangings.

There is something absorbing about working on a large piece — watching a design gradually take shape through tens of thousands of small stiches.

Frank's journey with Kaross began because his mother encouraged him to take the opportunity. She passed the craft on to him, and he has made it his own.

Behind every Kaross piece is a person, a story and countless hours of careful work. Frank’s story is one of patience, independence and pride in what he does.