Joyce Phala’s co-operative specialises in sewing projects

Joyce Phala is a resilient leader who is ready to lead entrepreneurs who know where they want to go with their lives.

After being formerly employed for fifteen years, she was suddenly unemployed when the factory she used to work for burned down to ashes.

“Thereafter I pursued catering while I had a friend who was doing sewing.

I used to help my friend with the sewing and that is where I slowly developed a skill and love for sewing,” said Phala.

Phala said as time went on she took up a formal sewing course which took her over a year to finish.

She then joined a Non-Government Organisation teaching community members how to sew and she left the NGO after six months to venture into business.

Phala started a co-operative called Omama Bebhodo Nemishanelo which specialises in sewing.

“I realised that a lot of women are interested in sewing but they don’t have a platform to learn, sew and make money.

That is what inspired the co-operative. I grouped the women and got them to explore the sewing business.

The co-operative business contributes positively in their lives because it gets them out of their houses and it relieves them from stress resulting from thinking a lot about their domestic problems.”

Phala said she is happy because the business is gradually making progress.

She said these women come and go because at times there is no business for the co-operative.

She said she hopes that one day these women will stay longer in the co-operative until it makes enough money to sustain their livelihoods.

“I stand firm in the business even when it is struggling because I see potential in this business.

I hope one day these women will work harder to build an empire in the fashion industry.

Omama Bebhodo Nemishanelo’s services are clothes alterations, sewing school uniforms, crèche uniforms and church uniforms.

“We also make the traditional outfits for weddings and special events.

In five years’ time, I want to see the co-operative operating in its own property because at the moment we are renting a garage.

We struggle with advertising because the business is small and we barely make profits”.

For people who want to support the co-operative they can call Phala on 078 731 9127.