In January, the Clover Mama Afrika project demonstrated its commitment to continuous growth, choosing to build on past successes rather than rest on them. This was evident through a month-long training and upskilling initiative, which resulted in significant progress.
The beginner’s sewing course took place over a two-week period, and this course is quite daunting for individuals who are new to sewing and all that it entails. Under the guidance of Professor Elain Vlok, Manager of Clover Mama Afrika Trust, and with support from experts at Bernina’s Head Office in Johannesburg, trainees dove into the fundamentals of sewing and machine operation. “With this specific course it was all about learning what their sewing machines and overlockers can do. They then start by doing samples of how to put in a zip, and this entails learning how to gather with your machine, how to add on a button, a collar, etc.,” explained Professor Vlok.
This foundational training marks the beginning of a comprehensive program. Over the next few months, trainees will take part in five additional courses, where they will learn to create items such as tracksuits, day dresses, Shwe Shwe dresses, evening wear, and denim bags. After completing these courses over six months, they will be certified as skilled sewers, with a certificate awarded after each course to reflect their new capabilities.
Six individuals, nominated by Mama Afrikas from various regions across South Africa, undertook this transformative training. The trainees were Steve Zimema, Kayli-ann Kamfer, Victoria Jara, Sharol Bobo, Tshepiso Motau, and Dolly Ngcobo.
Each trainee expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity and a renewed sense of empowerment. With their newly acquired skills, they look forward to generating income by sewing, offering alterations, designing clothing, and providing affordable garments to their communities. Professor Vlok concluded, “These individuals were extremely grateful to be able to attend the course, and it has left each one of them feeling very empowered. All of them know they will be able to now put this skill to use and generate an income from it as they can now sew, do alterations, design their clothing and offer the people in their community affordable clothing.”
