A LOCAL businesswoman was recognised for her work in the industry at the recent Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa (BWASA) annual Regional Business Achiever Awards.
Tanya Price-Carr, the branch manager of The Clothing Bank, was named winner of the Social Entrepreneur category at the annual awards, being chosen from 15 finalists in five categories who were selected from various industry sectors and judged by an independent judging panel.
Since the Durban branch opened in Mayville in January 2015, Tanya has used her astute business skills and passion for people to uplift and empower over 180 women through The Clothing Bank programmes.
“I am thrilled to receive this award and honoured to have been nominated among such phenomenal women. This achievement truly is as a result of a wonderful, hardworking and dedicated team. Success can only be achieved when one becomes many,” said Tanya.
Tanya said The Clothing Bank’s vision is to inspire, skill and support unemployed South Africans to eradicate poverty in their lives.
“We provide unemployed people with income generating opportunities and the skills needed to manage and sustain these small businesses so that they can become financially and socially independent,” she explained.
Nommiselo Mjoli, a 35-year-old single mother of three from Marianhill is one of the many successful candidates who have completed training through The Clothing Bank and is now able to support her family and achieve her goal of becoming an independent business owner.
“The Clothing Bank gave me a huge platform to follow my dreams and provide for my family. I am proud of the woman I am today, I can see light in my life,” she said.
The Clothing Bank is able to support 800 informal retail business owners across their five branches in Cape Town, Durban, East London, Johannesburg and Paarl. These upskilled small business owners collectively earn R31 million in profits annually.
“My team and I are passionate about growing local businesses as we believe this sector plays a vital role in job creation and economic growth for our country,” concluded Tanya.
