In Kafusi, Manuka Village, affordable clothing and school uniforms have long meant a long journey and an added transport cost. For Thandolwethu Nkomo, that gap was an opportunity.
Thandolwethu trained in Clothing and Textile Design at Phangani Vocational Training Centre through WE-LEAP, gaining both tailoring skills and the know-how to run a small enterprise. On completion, she received a start-up kit — a sewing machine and fabric — the tools that turned her certificate into a business from day one.
Today she produces school uniforms and clothing for families across Kafusi and beyond, making locally made clothing more affordable and cutting the distance families once had to travel for tailoring.
“Her enterprise is more than income for one household — it is proof that skills, start-up support and access to opportunity let rural women become agents of change in their own communities.”
WE-LEAP is implemented by HOCIC Zimbabwe in partnership with Oxfam, with generous support from the Embassy of Switzerland — instrumental in helping women start businesses and build resilient livelihoods.
