We have seen a lot of traditional bead workers on our community leaders programme in the past but Gcinile Mhlongo is leagues ahead. She is very quiet, under-stated, but when digging into marketing and finances, we quickly realised her model is solid and functional with a special passion for keeping tradition alive. Her crafts are carefully designed and used by young women in some of the most high profile Zulu ceremonies, including the annual Mkhosi woMhlanga or the Zulu reed dance, which is a centuries-old tradition held at the eNyokeni Royal Palace in Zululand.