Four unemployed youngsters recently approached the Department of Social Development with the dream of starting an embroidery business in Aberdeen. The Department officials were impressed by the youngsters’ commitment and vision, and have invested almost R20 000 in giving them a helping hand.
Justice Dikana and Bongisizwe Jantjies were born in Aberdeen, and attended Aberdeen Secondary School. Neither boy completed matric, with Justice leaving school at the end of grade ten, and Bongisizwe at the end of grade eleven. Both admit to not working to their full potential at school, as they found little to interest them in the formal school curriculum. One of Bongani’s grade eleven teachers remembers him as “intelligent and capable – but never in class”!
Justice spent two years working at casual jobs in Beaufort West and here in Aberdeen, but with no formal skills or training he was frustrated at the lack of opportunities. Bongani left school in 2009, and by his own admission, had no motivation to try to find work, so spent the first half of this year unemployed and hanging around the town.
Phindiwe Mgabile and Lungiswa May both passed matric, in 2008 and 2009 respectively, but again with no work experience, were unable to find jobs.
Justice Dikana and Bongisizwe Jantjies were born in Aberdeen, and attended Aberdeen Secondary School. Neither boy completed matric, with Justice leaving school at the end of grade ten, and Bongisizwe at the end of grade eleven. Both admit to not working to their full potential at school, as they found little to interest them in the formal school curriculum. One of Bongani’s grade eleven teachers remembers him as “intelligent and capable – but never in class”!
Justice spent two years working at casual jobs in Beaufort West and here in Aberdeen, but with no formal skills or training he was frustrated at the lack of opportunities. Bongani left school in 2009, and by his own admission, had no motivation to try to find work, so spent the first half of this year unemployed and hanging around the town.
Phindiwe Mgabile and Lungiswa May both passed matric, in 2008 and 2009 respectively, but again with no work experience, were unable to find jobs.
A few months ago these four friends came up with the idea of starting an embroidery business, as this service was not available locally at that time. The Department of Social Services liked the idea, and have provided them with a brand new R14 000.00 machine, and also arranged tuition for the youngsters.
Mr Chris Terblanche, of Stitchcraft Singer in Port Elizabeth, spent five days in Thembalesizwe training the group, and he was full of praise for their enthusiasm, and the speed at which they picked up the necessary skills. He has also very kindly agreed to help them establish their business by providing free ongoing support in the way of computer backup and accessing supplies.
The Department also lent the group an old computer, but they really need an updated model to be able to work more efficiently. A basic “starter kit” of material and threads was provided for them, but this will not last for long.
So far they have completed a few small projects, including monogrammed serviettes for a local guest house, t-shirt embroidery, a jacket for a member of SAPS, and a soccer badge. They are able to embroider names and basic designs on clothing and other items, and with Terblanche’s help, are able to digitize a picture that a customer provides, so that it can be stitched. They are also willing to work with customers to design individual personalized logos.
The group have named their fledgling business Siyakhula, which means “we are growing”. It is hoped that they will grow and indeed flourish, and it is very encouraging to see such determination from these young people.
Examples of their work can be seen at the Aberdeen Heritage Archive and Tourism Bureau.Siyakhula can be contacted on 078 083 1525 or 082 481 2800.
Mr Chris Terblanche, of Stitchcraft Singer in Port Elizabeth, spent five days in Thembalesizwe training the group, and he was full of praise for their enthusiasm, and the speed at which they picked up the necessary skills. He has also very kindly agreed to help them establish their business by providing free ongoing support in the way of computer backup and accessing supplies.
The Department also lent the group an old computer, but they really need an updated model to be able to work more efficiently. A basic “starter kit” of material and threads was provided for them, but this will not last for long.
So far they have completed a few small projects, including monogrammed serviettes for a local guest house, t-shirt embroidery, a jacket for a member of SAPS, and a soccer badge. They are able to embroider names and basic designs on clothing and other items, and with Terblanche’s help, are able to digitize a picture that a customer provides, so that it can be stitched. They are also willing to work with customers to design individual personalized logos.
The group have named their fledgling business Siyakhula, which means “we are growing”. It is hoped that they will grow and indeed flourish, and it is very encouraging to see such determination from these young people.
Examples of their work can be seen at the Aberdeen Heritage Archive and Tourism Bureau.Siyakhula can be contacted on 078 083 1525 or 082 481 2800.
Article By: Sue Shaw