Duchess of Sussex reveals she taught bookbinding classes as she visits Johannesburg social enterprise scheme

The Duchess of Sussex visiting Victoria Yards, a regeneration project that is home to design studios, art galleries and a popular monthly food market in Johannesburg
PA

The Duchess of Sussex has told how she used to teach bookbinding classes as she visited a social enterprise scheme in Johannesburg.

Meghan privately visited the Victoria Yards initiative, which brings together local artisans, charities and start-ups and is supported by The British Council.

She bought three small blank notebooks from an organisation called Young Bucks, which uses recycled goods to bind books, made by local interns.

The duchess’s were made from an ‘up-cycled’ local fabric called shweshwe, a dyed and printed fabric used to make colourful South African clothing.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Tour of Africa 2019 - In pictures

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Simon Sizwe Mayson, co-director of the Maker’s Valley Partnership, which has helped to create the collective, said: “She bought these three little notebooks and also mentioned that she used to do workshops in bookbinding herself. She used to coach bookbinding.”

A royal source confirmed that the duchess did used to teach a bookbinding class but was not aware of any further details.

She also picked up a pair of jeans she had placed on order from a local firm and was given a pair of little dungarees for her baby son Archie.

The handmade ‘Presidential slim fit’ trousers were made by up and coming designer Tshepo, from the township of Soweto, who revealed that he received a call four weeks ago from the British consular officials.

Tshepo started as a one-man band but now employs 10 local people in his business.

The duchess was shown round the collective by Mr Sizwe Mayson and Hector Mgiba, a social entrepreneur from 94 Colours, which uses art to mobilise young people in their community, and Sibusiso Zulu, founded of Sneakers4Change.

Meghan was particularly taken with the organisation, which collects and donates trainers to those less fortunate and viewed a display made from some of the sports shoes.

As she left Victoria Yards, which was used as an old nappy factory, laundry and panel beaters before being developed into artisan studios, Meghan told the men: “I’ll never forget what you have told me.”

Mr Sizwe Mayson said: ‘The duchess was really interested in the concept here and how we are working towards the greater good.

“We are really trying to build a culture of change making. She said that in her position she wants to try and do as much good as she can, although I am slightly paraphrasing here.

“She loved the way we are working with the community and what we are trying to achieve. It is a microcosm of South Africa here, and it really dovetails with what she wants to do.

“We had a long conversation about change and change makers and what we can all do.

“Although we are members of the Commonwealth, we aren’t as obsessed by the Royal Family - but we were really impressed by her and what she wants to do.”

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