Ngwenya Glass is an innovative, 100% handmade glass company situated in the hills of beautiful Eswatini in southern Africa. Every item Ngwenya glass produces is made with recycled glass bottles and jars collected entirely from individuals throughout the country, who are paid by the kilo for clean glass. With no formal recycling program in Eswatini, this recycling effort alone is making a tremendous ecological difference. From there, glass is then melted down in furnaces fueled by a mixture of paraffin, recycled motor oil and recycled Kentucky Fried Chicken oil.
The molten glass is then expertly mouth blown into fine wine glasses, unique wine coolers, whiskey tumblers, juice glasses, and decorative animal shapes.
Ngwenya glass employs more than 79 highly skilled Swazi artisans, 80% of whom have been with the company for more than 15 years. Ngwenya Glass is committed to green operations, environmental conservation, and the success of their staff. Ngwenya provides generous employee benefits, regular training, holiday bonuses, and paid leave.
- Additionally, Ngwenya Glass supports several local organizations with proceeds from sales. Financial support is given to SWAGAA (Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse), an organisation dedicated to supporting victims of gender-based violence. Ngwenya glass also assists with the educational fees, caregiving costs, and special events for orphans at Motshane Hope House and donates to Big Game Parks, an organization dedicated to preserving endangered species such as the white and black rhino. Lastly, Ngwenya glass supports Cheshire Homes, the only rehabilitation center for disabled people located in Eswatini.
Your glassware purchase from Ngwenya Glass makes a tangible impact on the lives of artisans in Eswatini.