Malawi Council for Disability Affairs formerly known as Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA) was established by an Act of Pariament, the Handicapped Persons Act 1971 Cap: 33:02 as a statutory corporation. Its goal is to facilitate the empowerment of persons with disabilities to enable them to actively participate and be included in the social economic development activities of their communuties and the country. Its mission is to implement government policies by providing rehabilitation programs and services and promoting public interest towards the empowerment of people with disabilities in order to achieve an inclusive society
Bangwe Factory is one of the production units established by MACODA which is run as a commercial enterprise. The factory was established in 1975 aimed at sheltered employment in accessible environment to persons with disablities in Malawi. It also serves to raise awareness among members of the general public on the abilities and potential of persons with disablities in order to promote disability mainstream in the work place. As a commercial entity, the factory is expected to reinvest some of its proceeds in other rehbilitation programs and services that are run by the council. Currently, about 80% of employees are persons with disabilities.
In the year 2000, the following workshops were relocated to Bangwe:
The factory has the following sections:
Beautiful designs depicting local and rural scenes are produced. A large part of the products hinge on promotional items such as T/Shirts, Sports Uniforms, Bags and Banners among others. The Department also makes customer tailored designs and specifications.
Fabric of different fashions, traditional wear an assortment of many products such as curtains, bed covers, oven gloves, shirts and dresses. A wide selection of designs and beautiful Hand Embroidered items are produced. The Factory prides itself as the best Tie & Dye centre in Malawi.
This Section specializes in hand woven products such as Rugs, Hammocks, Bathmats, wall hangings, shopping bags coasters, hand bags and many more items. The Weavers are very skilled and can produce Company Logos, Reception Greetings and many more promotional items.
Products such as school uniforms, dust coats, work suits, overalls, tote Bags and wall hangings including famous cloth calendars are made in this Department. Materials are made from 100% cotton.