Eight years ago, eight unemployed women of Fort Beaufort were brought together to help out with the shortage of nightdresses and pyjamas at the local provincial hospital.
Eight years ago, eight unemployed women of Fort Beaufort were brought together to help out with the shortage of nightdresses and pyjamas at the local provincial hospital.
Noma Tshilitha remembers: “Our councillor got us together and asked us to help out. We did. That is how the project started.”
So Sophumelela Women Empowerment was born. Also known as the sewing project, the group is now recognised as one of the most successful projects in Nkonkobe Municipality. They have secured a contract with Tower Hospital to sew overalls for the hospitals staff members. This group also landed a contract with Nkonkobe Municipality to sew bags for them. The group agreed that the support that their community has given them has also been motivational to them.
Three of the members: Tshilitha, Nomfusi Takuta, Ntombizodwa Mtshilita spoke about their recipe for success – being professional.
“We attend workshops and we also give women advice on how to run their own businesses. We also do exactly what we tell our funders we will do with the money that they give us,” says Tshilitha.
Three Break-ins
These seamstresses sew bedding, school and church uniforms and traditional wear.
“The only challenge that they have been faced with is burglary,” says Takuta.
“We have had three break-ins. Even that didn’t derail us. We have since put in more security measures.” she says.
They have recently bought an embroidery machine. The group will now be able to print t-shirts.
“We plan on adding more people to this project. One day, we hope that it will even be a factory because we want members of our community to benefit from it,” says Mtshilita.
“Women must get up and not feel sorry for themselves. Don’t allow money to be an obstacle. You can start something with or without money. Even if you are sick, in the presence of other women, you’ll get well.”
What needs to be done to ensure that more enterprising projects like Sophumelela succeed?
