Eco-aware Dikeni wows at Meetings Africa

A STRONG commitment to environmental awareness is what makes Dikeni Arts and Crafts more than just another small business on Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s (NMBT) list of favourites – it's also the reason the tourism body brought the company’s wares to the attention of the world during Meetings Africa trade show where the crafts were exhibited to an international audience.

Artist and owner of Dikeni Arts and Crafts, Ashwin Ramhith, has turned what was “just a hobby” into a thriving business in only a few years.

“His eco-friendly approach and unique, high-quality cultural art sets his company apart from contenders, making Dikeni a positive catalyst for local Eastern Cape arts and crafts,” said Titus Chuene, NMBT marketing manager. “Dikeni’s offering at the Meetings Africa stand meant we are promoted products that focus on green and responsible tourism while supporting Eastern Cape-based small tourism businesses.”

Dikeni Arts and Crafts is the only South African wood-turner working with epoxy resin, a material that Ramhith cleverly incorporates into his natural medium. Epoxy resin requires less energy and releases fewer greenhouse gasses; further improving the carbon footprint for a ‘greener’ product.

Along with using epoxy resin, Ramhith also sources his wood from storm fallen or storm damaged trees, reclaimed wood, regular pruning and removal by homeowners or horticulturists and reputable sources.

“Protecting the environment for future generations is our responsibility. I love wood and the art I make from it, but using wood that didn’t need to be butchered out of nature is always my top priority. I believe in protecting the environment by doing what I can, that is all anyone can do,” Ramhith said.

Selected as one of 19 South African art “hidden treasures” by the Tourism Enterprise Partnership, he has also commissioned artwork for the President’s office. These are only a few of Ramhith’s many accomplishments.

For Ramhith any exposure his artwork gets is positive: “Especially when it includes international exposure like this. I am fortunate to have such opportunities come my way,” Ramhith added.

Ramhith handcrafts all the artwork himself, every piece labeled “one of a kind” using woods like yellowwood, wild olive, lemonwood and buffalo thorn. Products include a range of sculptural forms, hollow vessel forms, unique bowls and platters from indigenous woods, corporate gifts like clocks and pens to the Out-of-Africa resin inlay works.

This artist is more than just a multi-award winning wood-turner. Along with being a businessman and entrepreneur, he is also an active member of the Round Table charity. His unique pens were given away at the NMBT Meetings Africa stand.