Hazyview’s own Mama Afrika inspires

The Clover Mama Afrika Project continues to upskill, empower and educate women, allowing them to share those skills with others living in their communities.

For 23 years, this process has allowed the Mama Afrikas to drive self-help initiatives to continually improve their lives. The organisations recently held a workshop for skills and development for women. Mama Sipiwe Solomons from Hazyview is among those women who are empowered through the mentorship of Clover Mama Afrika.

Solomons told Hazyview Herald that the Clover Mama Afrika Project has been a true blessing in her life. She describes it as a warm embrace, lifting her up and giving her the strength to continue her work. She says over the years, it’s empowered her in so many ways.

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“The skills development workshops have been invaluable. I have learnt new baking techniques, sewing patterns and even mosaic designs! It’s not just about learning new skills, though. It’s about staying relevant, keeping up with the times and being able to offer the best to my community,” she said.

Mama Solomons explains that the publicity she receives from the project has been a game changer for her and her centre. “My little centre is now known throughout the community, and people come from far and wide to buy our baked goods, admire our sewing and purchase our mosaics. This not only brings in much-needed income, but also gives the children a sense of pride and accomplishment.

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“But beyond all of this, Clover Mama Afrika has given me something even more precious: a sense of belonging. It’s a sisterhood of women who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. We share our joys and sorrows, our successes and failures. We lift one another up and inspire one another to keep going. In short, Clover Mama Afrika has empowered me to be a better leader, a better mentor, and a better servant to my community. It’s given me the tools, the resources and the support I need to make a real difference in the lives of these precious children. And for that I am eternally grateful,” she said.

Solomons has her own food garden and piggery to provide a feeding scheme for orphans. She delivers 30 food packages per day to orphans, supports 10 high schools and caters for 87 children.