Dis-Chem Pharmacies has recently partnered with Alex’s Khulani Creatives, an income-generating project aimed at empowering economically marginalised individuals in their community and entire country.
The initiative is driven by Anna Maruma and Rose Vinqi, two grandmothers living in Alexandra, who sew the vibrant fabric bags that are now available in stores nationwide.
The bags are durable, eco-friendly, handmade, and of good quality and the sales from the bags go toward helping Maruma and Vinqi, and other individuals just like them, care for and support their families and grandchildren in their care.
Vinqi supports four children, and two grandchildren and Maruma looks after her household of her husband, two children and one grandchild through their work at Khulani, which means to grow in IsiZulu.
This income not only provides a place for them to live, food for them to eat and clothes to wear, but they are also paying school fees for their grandchildren.
“For Maruma and Vinqi, educating the next generation is so important. They know how education opens doors for them, and they are steadfast in providing the children in their care with the best opportunities that they can,” said Jane Simmonds, founder of Khulani Creatives.
The same goes for the women and men eager to join the project. Khulani Creatives approached Dis-Chem toward the end of 2020 with the hope that the pharmacy group would support them in this initiative.
Currently, Maruma and Vinqi are producing 1 000 bags per month. However, with the assistance of the income generated from Dis-Chem sales, they will eventually be able to bring more men and women on board to help with the production, creating more job opportunities, and more output per month.
Over the last four years, these men and women have been learning how to sew so that it is possible for them to join this venture when sales allow for it. To date, Dis-Chem has seen a positive reaction to the bags, with consistent sales month-on-month.
Saul Saltzman, group executive at Dis-Chem said, “When we were approached about this collaboration, our immediate answer was yes.
“We are inspired by what Maruma and Vinqi are doing to make an income and create a better future for their families and grandchildren in their care, and the quality and look of the bags fit into our Dis-Chem profile.
“Furthermore, Maruma and Vinqi’s commitment to education and job creation aligns closely to Dis-Chem’s outreach priorities and if selling these bags allows us to fulfil this, then we are more than happy to get involved.”
