The Ngezandla Zethu Sewing Project in Edendale, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, empowers unemployed community members, primarily women, with skills in sewing, dressmaking, and fashion design. The program equips participants to become employable in the industry or start their own small businesses, providing a sustainable source of income and enabling them to support their families. Students progress from creating basic home-wear to high-fashion garments, with ongoing assessments and milestones such as midyear fashion shows and a formal graduation to celebrate achievements and build confidence.
Led by African Enterprise South Africa in collaboration with local trainer Ntombifikile Dladla, the project provides training, mentorship, and support in business skills and computer literacy. Graduates from previous cohorts have secured employment, started small businesses, and partnered with local schools to produce uniforms and sportswear, generating income and creating employment opportunities for others. By fostering creativity, skill development, and entrepreneurship, the project transforms individual lives while contributing to broader community development and economic empowerment.