Fighting poverty through hand work

Poverty, having to depend on neighbours’ mercy and only surviving through government pensions, are yesterday’s story for nine members of Silethukuthula Care Centre which started three years ago in Tsakane.

The project that started by feeding about 50 disadvantaged children, has grown to also doing hand work.

The majority of the members are women joined by a few men from the township who want to ensure that they also have something to eat before going to bed every night.

They do make traditional attire from different cultures including traditional shoes and beadwork which they sell to make profit.

Dudu Khumalo, organisation’s chairman says they started the centre after realising that many families in the area live in poverty.

She adds that despite the fact that the organisation is still struggling for a bigger place where they can do their work, that will not stand on their way of continuing to fight against poverty in a way that they can.

“We encourage others to use their hands in creating employment for themselves and do not wait for someone else to employ them,” says Khumalo.

She says one of the organisation’s dreams is to be known by the community of Kwatsaduza and be able to sell their work to the people from other areas in and around Ekurhuleni.

Nomfuzo Mdonga, a new member in the organisation says her life has changed for the best since she joined the organisation.

The unemployed mother of four children became an official member of the organisation last year and since then she has been able to provide for her family.

Anyone who is interested in joining the organisation, should contact Dudu Khumalo on 078 399 2250.