In a world where heritage is often lost to modernity, three dynamic South African women are rewriting the narrative, one dance step, one performance, and one empowered community at a time. Desiree Karabo Reddy, Bonolo Maduna, and Lerato Patricia Mtileni are the visionary minds behind Multiethnical Crafts, a non-profit organization born out of passion, purpose, and an unshakeable belief in the power of the arts to bridge cultures and generations.
Together, these women have ignited a movement: Multiethnical Crafts, that’s fast becoming a cultural beacon in South Africa and beyond.
The Birth of a Movement
The story of Multiethnical Crafts didn’t begin in boardrooms or formal meetings, but in quiet conversations between performances and behind production sets, spaces where passion for the arts and heritage collided. It was in these moments that Desiree Karabo Reddy, Bonolo Maduna, and Lerato Mtileni discovered a shared dream: to revive and preserve the traditional arts of their people and inspire the next generation to reconnect with their cultural roots.
“As the founder of this NPO,” Desiree explains, “I’m thrilled to be joined by two passionate directors who share my love for the arts and cultural heritage. Having worked with them previously, I’ve witnessed their exceptional drive, work ethic, and impressive resumes, which perfectly align with our organization’s vision. I’m confident that together, we’ll create something truly remarkable.”
Desiree’s own journey has been shaped by her deep appreciation for cultural diversity, nurtured through multiracial friendships, marriage, and professional collaborations. “Our differences,” she says, “are not barriers, but rather building blocks of beauty and strength.” This belief became the cornerstone of Multiethnical Crafts: an NPO dedicated to showcasing, supporting, and sustaining traditional performing arts from across the globe, with a strong focus on Africa.
Bonolo, Desiree, and Lerato, each accomplished in their own right, knew it was time to build a platform that went beyond applause and limelight. They envisioned a revolution of remembrance, a space where the drumbeat of ancestry could echo through the feet of youth.
Together, they rolled up their sleeves and brought Multiethnical Crafts to life. Their combined experiences and leadership prove that with vision, collaboration, and heart, it’s possible to drive positive change and foster meaningful cultural understanding.
The Power Trio Behind the Vision
Bonolo Maduna, Director of Multiethnical Crafts, is no stranger to the spotlight. With a background in acting, modeling, and dance, her artistic portfolio boasts roles in uThando neDiski, Generations, and Netflix’s How to Ruin Christmas. But it’s her role as a cultural storyteller that fuels her deepest purpose. Her creative direction infuses Multiethnical Crafts’s programs with authenticity and boldness. “Culture is not static, it dances, it breathes, it performs,” Bonolo shares.
Desiree Karabo Reddy, the organization’s Executive Director, is the strategic anchor. A cultural custodian and visionary, Desiree ensures that every project under Multiethnical Crafts serves a higher purpose. “We don’t just showcase culture, we uplift it,” she says. With a gift for harmonizing heritage and innovation, she’s driven by global collaboration and local empowerment, values that shape the organization’s soul.
Lerato Patricia Mtileni, fellow Director and the heart of Multiethnical Crafts’s outreach, embodies both grace and grit. As a choreographer, actress, and mentor, her career spans youth programs, television, and philanthropy. Her community-first approach ensures that the NPO doesn’t just perform for people, it performs with them. “If the youth can’t see themselves in their own culture, we risk losing it,” she says. “Our job is to make tradition relatable again.”
More Than Just a Stage…
Multiethnical Crafts offers more than just performances. It’s a movement that champions preservation, empowerment, and education. Their programs include:
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Performance Series that celebrate traditional and contemporary multi-ethnic art.
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Artist Residencies offering mentorship and opportunities for emerging talents.
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Community Workshops designed to teach and revive cultural skills.
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Festivals and Exhibitions that bring heritage alive through music, dance, and craft.
But perhaps their most powerful focus lies in youth engagement. As African children grow up in increasingly globalized environments, Multiethnical Crafts is determined to help them reconnect with their roots, through intergenerational dialogues, digital platforms, mentorships, and even school-based cultural programs.
The name Multiethnical Crafts speaks volumes: a resurgence of togetherness, dignity, and shared humanity, anchored in the belief that “I am because we are.”
With bold leadership, innovative programming, and a mission deeply rooted in cultural restoration, Multiethnical Crafts is not just preserving tradition, it’s modernizing it, celebrating it, and making it accessible to the world.
Bonolo, Desiree, and Lerato have proven that heritage isn’t a relic, it’s a living, evolving force. And through Multiethnical Crafts, they’ve created a powerful reminder that South Africa’s future lies in honouring its past.
Want to Get Involved?
Follow Multiethnical Crafts on social media to stay updated on performances, events, and workshops, or reach out to support their programs. Whether you’re an artist, teacher, parent, or passionate observer,there’s a place for you in this movement.
Because when culture rises, we all rise.
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I’m behind you, my lovely girls. May the good Lord expand your territory.