Two of the most talented glassblowers were sent to Sweden to the world renowned Kosta Boda glassworks where they learned from leading artisans. In 1981 the Swedes handed over the factory to Swaziland Small Enterprise Development Corporation.

But unfortunately, four years later the factory ceased production.

Suddenly, no more glass animals! This was a mystery to Swazi Glass elephant collectors, Chas Prettejohn, a marine engineer, and his parents, Alix and Richard, who lived in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Their curiosity, literally, drove them to neighbouring Swaziland to “investigate”. The result; the Prettejohn's found themselves the proud new owners of the only glassblowing factory in Africa at that time ... and a defunct one at that!

The Prettejohn's took over in June 1987, spending a couple of months getting the machinery working and tracking down some of the original staff. They started production in August with four former employees, including Sibusiso Mhlanga, the master glassblower. Ngwenya Glass now employs over 60 people, including two of the original Swedish-trained blowers. Sibusiso who has visited Sweden several times in recent years to work again with some of the world's leading glassblowers, now tutors the new apprentices.

Since its rebirth, Ngwenya Glass has been more than an inspiring success story. It is an environmentalist's dream. The products, which include a range of tableware, drinking glasses, vases, jugs and ornamental African animals, are all handmade from 100 % recycled glass.

Most of this is from soft drink bottles, gathered from all over Swaziland. Not only are the people of Swaziland encouraged to collect the bottles, but Ngwenya Glass works with the local schools to instil in the children a sense of environmental awareness. In exchange for building materials and the sponsorship of the soccer team, the students must participate in clean-up campaigns.