06 Nov 2024

Amid the miseries of unemployment and poverty particularly affecting women in rural areas, a group of five resilient women from Khekhenye has emerged as a beacon of hope.

Known as Itsoseng Sewing Group, the women have confronted the challenges head-on, making strides since inception of their group.

Formed under the Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) in 2012, Itsoseng Sewing Group consists of women aged between 39 and 58. Their mission is to uplift themselves from poverty and build a sustainable livelihood.

Initially, the group received support from government through the Letlhakeng District Council, which provided two sewing machines - an overlocker and a buttonhole machine - as well as a generator and raw materials.

The support enabled the group to start producing uniforms for learners in their village, marking the beginning of the women’s journey towards self-sufficiency.

Since then, the group has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a positive shift in mindset. 

The members moved beyond dependency on Ipelegeng and government handouts, achieving self-sufficiency and financial stability.

According to Ms Gakebabitse Kgonkane, the group’s marketing manager, each member now earns a minimum of P500 every month. 

Celebrating their seventh anniversary in 2019, the group rewarded each member with P15 000 to help them build their own homes.

Furthermore, the group has invested in an industrial straight sewing machine to enhance production.

Itsoseng Sewing Group supplies complete school uniforms, including winter and summer attire and also provides duvets for Form 1 and Form 4 learners. 

Their efforts have led to profits exceeding P35 000 per season.

Despite their success, the group members recognise the need for further training. Ms Gabampatle Gakebatshabe, the chairperson, has expressed a desire to learn new designs, including wedding dresses, to diversify their offerings.

Treasurer, Ms Mpiletsang Phophole echoed the sentiment, emphasising the need for more skills to reach beyond local customers.

Secretary, Ms Ontebetse Lekokomane underscored the need for business skills to ensure the long-term sustainability of their enterprise.

Currently, the group relies solely on word-of-mouth marketing to promote their business. 

Community development officer, Ms Amantle Manthe, has praised the Itsoseng Sewing Group members for their unwavering commitment and positive mindset, adding that the council was dedicated to helping them manage group and maintain cohesion.

She acknowledged that while the group was doing well, more training would enhance their capabilities.

Assistant community development officer, Ms Tshepho Keabetswe, stated that despite challenges such as the high cost of fuel for the generator, the group was reliable, consistently delivering quality products on time. ends