DTCARE
The seed for this work was planted when Marco Gruelle, founder of DTCare, met Ralph Ziman through logistics support for transporting and importing The Casspir Project installation across the United States. Working closely with the artists, makers, and families behind the installation, Marco and Ralph recognized a powerful opportunity: pair world-class craftsmanship with real economic engines.
From that point forward, the vision expanded, supporting not only the artisans whose talent shaped these monumental artworks, but the next generation around them. Through the support and opportunities provided by DTCare's Education Sponsorship Program, the children of the artisans behind Ziman's projects, who now represent the next wave of computer scientists, lawyers, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.
When The MIG-21 Project debuted in 2025, a small selection of one-of-a-kind artisan-made pieces were sold appeared in The Museum of Flight's gift shop, and the response made something clear: these works had real fundraising power for the program.
From this synergy, Care Studios emerged organically: a design-led, socially rooted venture that brings heritage beadwork and wire sculpture into modern retail, while fueling a cycle of craft and opportunity across the communities that shaped these works.
OUR ORIGINS
When The MIG-21 Project installation debuted, a small selection of artisan-made pieces appeared in the museum gift shop, and the response made something clear: these works had real fundraising power for the program.
From this synergy, Care Studios emerged organically: a design-led, socially rooted venture that brings heritage beadwork and wire sculpture into modern retail, while fueling a cycle of craft and opportunity across the communities that shaped these works.
MEET THE ARTISANS
Care Studios works alongside exceptional artisans from South Africa and Zimbabwe, whose intricate generational techniques have defined landmark contemporary art installations, including Ralph Ziman’s iconic Weapons of Mass Production trilogy. Together, Anointed Hands and Ralph Ziman Studios form the creative backbone of our collections.
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Thenjiwe Pretty Nkogatsi leads Anointed Hands, a collective of Ndebele women renowned for their precision beadwork and bold geometric patterns. Originating from Mpumalanga Province, their craft reflects generations of cultural artistry passed down through mothers, grandmothers, and elders, each piece carrying symbolic colors and traditional storytelling.
Beyond her own artistry, Thenjiwe serves as the lead communicator and coordinator for the Anointed Hands group. She ensures consistency in patterns, quality, and colorwork, and manages artisan workflow with remarkable care and professionalism.
Along with her major contribution to Ralph Ziman’s The Casspir Project and The MiG-21 Project, her experience includes collaborations with major global brands such as Nike and David Tlale, as well as teaching workshops throughout Africa and Europe.
Her leadership keeps the Ndebele beading tradition alive while bringing it to contemporary audiences worldwide.
Ralph Ziman Studios, Johannesburg
The Johannesburg studio emerged from a remarkable story of artistic collaboration. Artist Ralph Ziman hand-selected some of the most skilled wire sculptors working on the streets of Johannesburg, talented makers known for their technical intuition and sculptural engineering.
He brought these artisans together to create large-scale wire-and-bead AK-47 sculptures for his early project The AK-47 Project. The group has evolved into a highly specialized team now known for their structural builds and dimensional beadwork, and continue to contribute to Ziman’s internationally recognized installations.
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The Johannesburg studio emerged from a remarkable story of artistic collaboration. Artist Ralph Ziman hand-selected some of the most skilled wire sculptors working on the streets of Johannesburg, talented makers known for their technical intuition and sculptural engineering.
He brought these artisans together to create large-scale wire-and-bead AK-47 sculptures for his early project The AK-47 Project. The group has evolved into a highly specialized team now known for their structural builds and dimensional beadwork, and continue to contribute to Ziman's internationally recognized installations.
Bowasi Manzvenga (Boas), also known as the “Machine Gun Preacher,” is a kind-hearted family man from Zimbabwe. He's been part of his current team since February 2013, after connecting with Ralph Ziman during a trip to South Africa. With two decades of experience, Bowasi is known for his skills in shaping wire, and his gentle, down-to-earth nature.
Bowasi is one of two people on the team who learned to drive a Casspir, which required classroom hours to learn the manual, and training at the Gerotek testing grounds in the most challenging terrains. Now based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Bowasi brings a lot of heart, talent, skill, and dedication to everything he does.
Kennedy Mwashusha is the spokesperson of the bead and wire artisan group, never at a loss for words. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Kennedy moved to South Africa in 2004 to pursue a career as a professional soccer player. After retiring, he found his passion in the creative art of beadwork. Kennedy earned his Bachelor of Social Work through the University of South Africa. As part of his studies, he dedicated hundreds of hours working with at-risk communities and adolescents in South Africa’s underserved townships.
Kennedy continues to grow his brand, blending his creative skills with a passion for social impact. In 2015, Kennedy launched his own business, Midas Touch Artworx, where he has undertaken large-scale commissions for global brands like Nike, Mercedes-Benz, and Pepsi.
Lenon Tinarwo is a man of few words, but his work speaks volumes. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, the former taxi driver has always been driven by a hands-on approach to life. Along with fellow artisans Panghanai Phiri and Telmore Masangudza, Lenon co-founded Live Wire, a shop in Newtown, Johannesburg, where he showcases his unique creations.
Growing up, Lenon learned upholstery skills at his father’s shop in Harare. This skill came in handy when he worked on affixing beaded panels to the Casspir, a job that highlighted his craftsmanship and attention to detail. It’s this blend of artistry and technical know-how that sets Lenon apart.
Panghanai Phiri, a reserved and talented beadwork artist, co-founded the Live Wire shop in Newtown, Johannesburg, with fellow artisans Lenon Tinarwo and Telmore Masangudza. Alongside contributing to Ralph Ziman’s projects, Panghanai manages large-scale commissions for major South African and international corporations, bringing his artistry to a broad audience.
Telmore Masangudza was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and moved to Johannesburg in 2005, where he began his career as a freelance artist, making and selling bead and wire sculptures to tourists and collectors. Along with fellow artisans Panganai Phiri and Lenon Tinarwo, he co-founded Live Wire, a store in downtown Johannesburg that specializes in African craft, wire, and beadwork pieces.
Telmore joined Ralph Ziman’s team full-time in 2013 and quickly became an integral part of the creative process. In 2018, he was commissioned to design the prestigious Legacy Award Trophy for Business and Arts South Africa. Along with Bowasi, Telmore underwent training at Gerotek to drive the Casspir.
Thenjiwe Pretty Nkogatsi, founder of Annointed Hands, leads a skilled collective of Zulu women passionate about fine beadwork. Coming from South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province and rooted in the Ndebele tribe’s renowned beading traditions, Thenjiwe inherited her lifelong dedication to this intricate art from her mother and grandmother, and past generations, keeping the tradition alive.
Thenjiwe has collaborated with prominent brands, including David Tlale and Nike, and brings her craft to a global audience, offering seminars and workshops for NGOs and companies across Africa and Europe. Through Annointed Hands, she strives to keep her culture’s beading artistry alive for future generations.
Livingstone Dombodzvuku hails from Harare, Zimbabwe, and is a self-taught expert in wire bending, a craft he has mastered over the years. Livingstone’s skill in this area is unmatched, and his precision and attention to detail set him apart as one of the best in the field. Though he keeps a low profile, his craftsmanship speaks volumes in every project he takes on. He has mastered the most intricate and technical aspects of the trade.
TESTIMONIALS
“When our museum collaborated with Ralph Ziman to bring The MiG-21 Project to Seattle, Care Studios was our partner in bringing in beautiful beaded jewelry and sculpture on consignment to support the exhibit. They made it possible for us to introduce our customers to amazing handmade products from the other side of the world. Their quick and thorough communication with us made the ordering process easy, and their passion for supporting the artisans in South Africa is an inspiration. Their support of youth programs and microfinance for small businesses gave me confidence that their values aligned with ours.”
-Mary Christensen, Retail General Manager, The Museum of Flight Gift Shop
OUR PARTNERS
We work with other non-for-profit museum gift shops, and galleries who value:
artisan-made products
traceable sourcing
purpose-driven storytelling
unique, display-ready merchandise
If that’s your store, we’d love to partner with you!
