Nquthu sewing ladies get their business booming
The initiative, however, did not lapse into nothing but the 16 members who remain are an example that a little hard work and perseverance pays off in the end. "
They are women and have taken the world of sewing by storm; these are the ladies of ‘Asibemunye Women’s Corporative’. Their journey has not been easy, but patience proved to be a virtue for them as their business flourishes daily.
These ladies operate in a small building which they were given by the Nquthu municipality and the sew anything ranging from school uniforms to formal dress wear. The organisation was established in 2003 by the department of Social Development aimed at combating poverty by assisting women with starting their own small businesses. At the time, there were more than 100 members. Today only 16 remain.
Zodwa Maphisa, head of the organisation, undoubtedly indicates that they are not afraid of competition because they know their ‘story’. She explained that her love for sewing started when she became responsible for her family.
“I had to think of ways that can bring in money and sewing seemed like a better option and indeed it was.”
She proudly indicates that this job has helped all of them get rid of poverty. “We do not go to bed on an empty stomach because the job is our daily bread.”
The initiative, however, did not lapse into nothing but the 16 members who remain are an example that a little hard work and perseverance pays off in the end. “We do not go hungry anymore for we make use of our hands everyday sewing for a large number of customers in Nquthu and surrounding areas,” said Ms Maphisa.
“There is more work to do in such little space, but we are hoping that sooner than later we will have our larger building,” she added. They have 30 sewing machines, but only 16 are in use. The machinery was donated by the local municipality, Department of Economic Development and while the other machines were bought by the women.
Recently, two young ladies were employed by the organisation. The ladies thank the support of their local municipality that they give all the time. They have been sent to workshops that have helped them manage the organisation.
Not only do they sit behind sewing machines but the organisation has bred another small multi-faceted business that the newly employed ladies can work at.
