Anna Kruger started iThemba Craft Art in 2013 at the Stellenbosch Information Centre in Market Street, Stellenbosch, to use her experience as Home Economics teacher and 15 years in tourism retail to the advantage of the community in which she lives. She studied Home Economics at the University of Stellenbosch and completed her honors degree in 1986. After four years of teaching Home Economics, Biology, Needlework and Mathematics at various schools, Anna decided to focus on the upbringing of her three children.

After 15 years in tourism retail she felt it was time to give back to the community and live out her passion for social development and training. She started her own social enterprise, iThemba Craft Art to retail high quality locally produced goods to the South African and international tourist markets. Stellenbosch Crafts Alive NPC was established in 2015 to address the need for training and mentorship for local crafters to become sustainable entrepreneurs by using their skills to produce work and generate an income.