Sukuma Mfati Foundation launched in KaBokweni
Sukuma Mfati foundation encourages women stand up for themselves and to start businesses.
Sukuma Mfati. This is the name of a foundation launched at the Nkohlakalo Community Hall on March 11. This initiative was founded by Thembisile Mabuza. Its slogan is “Behind every successful woman is herself”.
According to Mabuza, the Sukuma Mfati Foundation is a growing community of young women entrepreneurs across the province.”We aim to connect, build, educate and inspire one another through interaction mediums. We strive to build productive and lasting relationships. We want to empower women to take leadership, as well as encourage and guide other women thinking of starting their own businesses. Our services are networking opportunities, business support, training and linkages to fellow entrepreneurs.”
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Mabuza said the idea to start the foundation came to her in 2022. “What came to my mind is that as women we need to stand up and not depend on our husbands. This is why I named the foundation ‘Sukuma Mfati’. I want to see independent women managing their companies and succeeding in their business ventures. When some women start their businesses, they have no idea what to do, hence we invited various stakeholders such as the National Youth Development Agency [NYDA] and the Small Enterprise Development Agency, who will assist them to know what they can do for themselves.”
This 32-year-old from a small village called Manyeveni is a beneficiary of the Premier’s Youth Development Fund.
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“I own Manthe Business Enterprise and we sell chickens. We buy chicks, and after six weeks we sell them for R80. I want others to know there are opportunities available for them, and that the government can assist them with funds. I have managed to get to this point because of the financial support I received from these funds.”
As a way to give back to the community, Mabuza donates food to less fortunate children. She gives them breakfast every morning so that they do not go to school on empty stomachs.
