Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
ZIMISELENI Group, a collective of 10 women from Nkazhe Village in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province is scaling up efforts to transform their sewing project into a fully-fledged clothing factory that will provide employment to local residents.
The group, which includes youths, specialises in producing African attire and school uniforms, catering primarily to the local market.
The women established the initiative in January after receiving a sewing machine and an over-locking machine from the Self-Help Development Foundation. They fund their operations using savings from an Internal Savings and Lending Group (Isal), enabling them to purchase raw materials and expand their business.
Group chairperson Ms Elfina Dube (33), said the project has not only empowered the women economically but also fostered their entrepreneurial spirit.
“We produce a wide variety of clothing items, mostly using African print fabric. We also sew uniforms and some clients bring their fabric or clothes for us to sew or alter.
The money we earn is pooled together, and after reaching a significant amount, we share the proceeds while setting aside funds for fabric and other materials,” said Ms Dube.
One of the members, Ms Nompilo Sibanda (33), said the project has helped her become financially independent.
“As a young person, this initiative has empowered me economically. I can now fend for my family without solely depending on my husband. It has also allowed me to explore my passion for sewing. I hope to take a dressmaking course to improve my skills in designing and sewing,” she said.
Ms Sibanda urged youths to participate in local development projects to sustain themselves.
“Sometimes, as youths, we leave these projects to the elderly, yet our involvement is crucial for their continuity.
‘We must embrace these opportunities to empower ourselves and pass on the knowledge to future generations,” she said.
Ms Dorcas Nyoni (69) said the project has empowered women, particularly widows, by reducing their financial dependence on men.
“This sewing project has given us the ability to provide for our families. It has reduced gender-based violence in our community as women are now more independent. The widows in our group have especially benefitted, as they can now support their children without relying on external help,” she said.
“We received training on how to run our business through the Self-Help Development Foundation. We were also educated on the need to expand our business and to explore new business ventures.”
The group is appealing for support to achieve their goal of transitioning from a small sewing project to a clothing factory. They require additional equipment, workspace and resources to scale up production and reach wider markets.
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