Self-help Groups for 2000 poor women in S. Africa

South Africa currently has an official unemployment rate of around 27%. This increases to over 40% for young people, and even over 50% in some rural countries. It contributes significantly to the high rate of poverty in the country. Therefore, assisting young people to secure employment or to become self-employed is a key concern for many women in Self-help groups (SHGs) and Clusters (CLAs).

One example is Hlanganani CLA in Tafelkop, KZN, who has been supported in 2018 by Zimele Wethu Foundation, a Sinamandla partner, to establish a Computer School that will provide basic computer skills to young people preparing to start college or seeking jobs or self-employment. Hlanganani CLA contributed 20% of the total cost for the establishment of the Computer School and also built the Computer school itself; Zimele Wethu Foundation secured funding for the remaining costs. They received desktop computers and computer tables in early 2018 and are the only Computer School in the community as the next closest one is over 40 kms away. Currently there are 16 students enrolled for a 3-months course at a fee of R550.00 ($40) each.

Many thanks for your interest in and support of Sinamandla and its work with women in SHGs, who are making a positive contribution to the lives of children and young people. Please would you consider a donation to Sinamandla in 2018 which will be greatly appreciated!

You can subscribe to our E-newsletter via the Sinamandla website, like us on Facebook at sinamandlaselfhelpgroup or follow us on Twitter @sinamandlashg. Our SHG book, “Moving ourselves out of poverty”, is available for $40.00 including postage – to order directly from Sinamandla email info@sinamandla.org.za.