Soweto businesswoman turns retrenchment into a success story

Irene Moemise, a meadowlands woman beat all odds to change her status from unemployed to employer.

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Moemise was recently awarded by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers for bringing hope and community development to the youth of Meadowlands.

Moemise, like many South Africans lost her employment due to the covid-19 impact.

“And despite being highly qualified for most jobs, even a Master’s degree in her field however she struggled to find employment but it wasn’t until she joined a leadership and community skills development programme that her fate would change.

“I got introduced to the Tools for Life programme and that was exactly what I needed. It gave me a sense of direction on what to do next,” said Moemise.

“They have changed the way I do things, they have made me more passionate and involved in my community and I am convinced that I am going to use them to improve my community.”

Moemise used the skills she learned through the programme to change her status from employee to employer by opening a growing bakery in the community of Meadowlands that has proven to be a hit with locals.

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Through her bakery known as Le’Bakery, she turned her passion to survive and achieve sustainability as a new entrepreneur.

“I grew up as a typical township girl and I had the sole goal of improving the lives of my family. I managed to get a good education, I have a degree, masters and honours and I was very privileged to grow in my job until the pandemic hit and I was retrenched.

“I had no idea what to do, I was devastated but I knew that if I didn’t act soon I would suffer greatly in future,” said Moemise.

She now uses her knowledge to train the youth and this is something she is very proud of.

The Tools for Life skills development programme hosts a variety of free seminars for communities and has trained thousands on how to become their own bosses.

According to Moemise, the Tools for Life are very suitable in bringing social economic development and real social change.

“Small businesses form a key part of the value chain of any community and are a key target of community development.

“If many local businesses were introduced to this programme we will have a very strong kasi economy,” continued Moemise.

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