Tickled pink by Wild Mongoo

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GEORGE NEWS - It's not a mango, nor a mongoose - it's Wild Mongoo! Described by one of their customers as a "vision of pink", this non-profit organisation for women in Africa held its grand opening last Saturday, 1 July, at their brand-new premises, at the back of George Tourism office in York Street.

Founders Annalie Cable and Lindsay Hogan had plenty of help from friends and family, and of course, all the women - currently 19 in total - for whom this initiative was brought into life.

Wild Mongoo offers courses in entrepreneurship, leadership and skills development, and provides counselling and financial advice.

All products made by these women are crafted locally and sold at the premises or online. A hundred percent of the income generated by the selling of products goes to the individuals who made them.

These women are all following training programmes through the organisation. Beadwork, embroidering and needlework are some of the skills being taught.

PHOTO GALLERY: Wild Mongoo opens their doors

Annalie Cable and Lindsay Hogan, founders of Wild Mongoo.

Under the capable hands of Lindsay Hogan, the new premises boasts an upmarket look and feel. It is beautifully painted, decorated and downright practical. It is a total metamorphosis from their previous premises in town, where the women worked in much different conditions and were totally obscured.

"You say you value people, but then you make them work in a sweat shop," said Hogan. "We needed to change all of that."

In conversation with Hogan it is clear that their main purpose is to uplift. Wild Mongoo will always portray the women in their training programmes as gorgeous people, full of colour and with a love for life. "We are moving from vulnerability to ability," said Hogan.

Find out more about Wild Mongoo on their website, or follow them on Facebook.

Zuzu Gwenxa, the cashier, shows one of the work areas where the women do needlework.