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Lin Smith (*) is the founder of the company and is CEO of both
Momento's. A graduate in both artistic and technical Textile Design, she has managed - to
date - to have converted centuries old houses, run a farm and have 3 children - all in
England. When, with her family she moved to S Africa in 1981, she re-entered her
chosen discipline managing tapestry and rug weaving plants, and creating new designs.
Subsequently running the Pencen self-help scheme for PE Technikon, she founded Momento's
on the closure of Pencen, and has been the driving force in its solid growth, adding
financial skills to her ever widening brief. Whilst still
very much hands on, the increasing number of employees at the company has enabled her to
spend more time in creation - of new products and outlets. |
| Beauty Simana(*) was one of the original members,
having been an weaving instructor at Pencen for Lin - and that despite having lost an arm
in an accident years ago. Supporting a large extended family, as well as her 4 children,
beauty says she has little time for other interests, but likes cooking. She splits her working time between tapestry weaving training at our
factory, and working in the PE Airport shop. |
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The third of the original members Thandiwe (Thandi)
Mgidi (M) is married with three children. Originally a weaver, Thandi ran our small shop
at the Donkin Lighthouse for several years (now closed), before transferring full time to
our factory. Here she assists manager Pinky Ngxili, her special duties include all
the documentation for training - a large job in such a labour intensive industry.Her outside activities include the usual school support, she finds time to
market vegetables in her home area, and is an enthusiastic member of her church choir. |
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One of the happiest occasions in the early Momento's
days was when the original three could start to employ their fellow workers retrenched
from the Pencen project. First of these was Peggy January(M), who rejoined her peers
and later was promoted to being a member.At work Peggy is
responsible for continuity in production and for the house-keeping, to look after the
growing number of weavers and brushers. At home, where she has three children, she
is an avid church-goer. |
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Pinkie Ngxili (*) grew up with Momento's and its
predecessor Pencen. Coming as a schoolboy trainee, he put himself through college,
qualified as an electrician, and then elected to work full-time at Momento's. He learnt dyeing from Lin, and progressed as the company grew; today he is
responsible for all factory operations as well as playing a full part in the overall
management of both companies. When not working he is an enthusiastic soccer
supporter. |
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| In 2001 the board was further expanded and Nomsa
Mqiri (M), who had been responsible for Quality Control (and still is) was co-opted. One of our younger members she enjoys football but her first interest in
music. |
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Roger Smith (*) came to Momento's from big business
and was for several year's, as Lin's husband, an unpaid consultant. His specific
tasks have been in strategy for growth and arranging and implementing new projects.
He was asked to become a member of Momento's in December 2001, and was a founding member
of Momento's KZN. He is most proud of the fact that it was
the black members who asked for him to join, at a time in South Africa when the reverse is
the norm. |
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