Today, 23 August 2011, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, Ms Ina Cronjé, in partnership with Zimele Developing Community Self-Reliance, a non-profit organisation, celebrated the fruits of hard work with 600 women who have been participating in the Zimele Self Help and Savings programme in the past five years.
This glittering affair which took place at Swayimane Community Hall in Wartburg saw women erecting stalls displaying their work and businesses. MEC Cronjé was delighted and commended what women are doing in Swayimane as she believes that no economy can grow when women are excluded. She encouraged local women to think globally and to maximise their marketing and distribution. She recommended the services and facilities in the form of Dube Trade Port as it helps with direct access to international markets.
These women, some of whom are breadwinners, have empowered themselves with financial, business and social skills that saw them get out of the cycle of poverty in a deeply impoverished village of Swayimane, near Wartburg. Together they have saved more than R170 000. The women were able to take 2 442 loans to the value of R292 932 from their savings. These loans were invested in their small enterprises.
They have started successful businesses in the area of agriculture, crafts, retail, catering as well as two emerging cultural guesthouses. Zimele’s registration with Fair Trade, (an international trade market that promotes the paying of fair prices to producers) opened a new international market and the first year of marketing, crafters sold products to the value of R300 000.
MEC Cronjé said that “this is a visible proof of what we have been going around preaching in the province as we have been encouraging people to save and use their savings to create a better future for themselves and their families. She said provincial government is also encouraging people to rise up and build which is in line with the spirit of ‘Masisukume Sakhe’. We are proud of Swayimane Imbokodo,” said Cronjé.
Also speaking at the function, Ms Rosetta Stander, the Founder/Director of Zimele said that “Parallel to their businesses, these women have become involved in initiatives to help orphaned and vulnerable children in their community. They are feeding the children using their own resources; rebuilding the dilapidated mud houses of the children; and provide emotional support and encouragement to these children. Two Early Education Centres were started where 45 children enjoy the privilege of quality education and day care” said Rosetta.
Like other rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Swayimane village is poverty-stricken. Despite the socio-economic challenges in the area and appalling financial illiteracy worsened by very low levels of education, some of these rural women have managed to beat all odds and arm themselves with basic skills necessary to develop emotional and financial independence.
These successes have encouraged women to think different about their lives. Sebenzani Meyiwa is a shining example of a woman who decided to enrol for an ABET course. She says “If I want to run a successful business, I have to be able to read and write”.
Qaphelani Dlamula said that “I have learned a lot from this saving initiative. Zimele is organising people who come and buy from us, now I can take my children to school and buy food for them too,” she said.
MEC Cronjé said "everyone man and woman should know how much money comes to their household, how much goes out and how much is saved. It is important for families to sit together, especially with their children so that they will not make unnecessary demands," advised Cronje.
For more information please contact:
Musa Cebisa
Cell: 071 687 8777
Rosetta Stander
Cell: 082 561 4729
