In a heartwarming celebration of skill, determination, and community support, Kouga Municipality recognised the achievements of six resilient women from disadvantaged backgrounds who have successfully completed a sewing course at the Sakhe Family Care Development Centre in Humansdorp.
The ceremony, held on August 10, marked a significant milestone for these women as they embark on a new journey of self-empowerment and entrepreneurship.
As a testament to the municipality’s commitment to women’s empowerment and skills development, they have donated six state-of-the-art sewing machines – which were presented to the women during the ceremony.
Among the accomplished graduates is Rose Mbekwa, a resilient mother of three and single parent hailing from KwaNomzamo in Humansdorp.
“I thank Sakhe Family Care Development Centre for this amazing opportunity and gift of a sewing machine,” said Mbekwa, who has a passion for sewing, and a determination to create a better future for her family.
“This course helped me a lot with sewing basics and I’m going to start a business with my new machine!”
Her words echo the sentiment of all six women who have been equipped with the skills and resources to create a brighter tomorrow.
“The municipality takes immense pride in its association with Sakhe Family Care Development Centre and its invaluable contribution to the community,” said Bornman.
“Through its multi-faceted initiatives, the centre has consistently demonstrated its dedication to creating opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. The graduation of these six women symbolises the collective effort of individuals, organisations, and the municipality coming together to make a positive change.
“Furthermore, the success stories emerging from this sewing course are nothing short of inspiring. One of the graduates, who recently underwent amputation of her legs, found renewed motivation and determination to face life’s challenges head-on. The sewing course not only provided her with a valuable skill, but it also instilled a new-found sense of purpose and drive to persevere.”
Bornman said that the municipality remains committed to supporting initiatives that uplift the lives of its residents and empower women to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Sakhe Family Care Development Centre
Sakhe Family Care Development Centre, founded by Chris Thanduxolo Buka, is an organisation dedicated to community upliftment and holistic development, and has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of these women.
The centre’s commitment to education, skills training, and support for disadvantaged individuals has garnered respect and admiration throughout the community. From providing a nurturing environment for learning, to fostering a sense of camaraderie among its participants, Sakhe Family Care Development Centre has truly made a lasting impact.
“It has been an incredibly rewarding journey to be a part of these remarkable women’s lives as their facilitator. Witnessing their growth, both in terms of sewing skills and personal confidence, has been truly amazing,” said teacher and facilitator Antoinette Ferreira.
“As their teacher, I am filled with pride and joy to have played a role in empowering them to take charge of their futures. Each stitch they mastered was a step toward their independence and self-discovery.
“It is heartwarming to know that the sewing machines sponsored by the municipality will serve as a constant reminder of their resilience and potential.
“This experience has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of education and community support.”
