Entrepreneur receives prestigious accolade
WHILE it has been a tough journey filled with many twists and turns for local crafter Sindisiwe Sithole, her road to success has now begun.
The vibrant and talented go-getter, who is this year’s recipient of Zikulise’s Judy Barbour Entrepreneur of the Year award, has turned her beadwork craft into a business she hopes will one day serve as her legacy.
“This award means a lot to me because it means I am doing something right because you cannot be recognised for doing nothing,” said an emotional Sindisiwe.
During the award ceremony held at ZCBF in Richards Bay, she detailed her family struggle and the many sacrifices she has made to keep her business and her dreams alive.
“When I finally decided to give my talent and this business a chance, it was during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I remember waking up one morning when the restrictions were temporarily lifted. I took my son and went to Durban to buy material worth R400 because that is all I had.
“I have had to walk my son to school because I wanted to save money from his travel fare to buy materials that would allow me to generate an income,” she said.
Sindisiwe, who has exhibited her beaded jewellery pieces and other hand-crafted items at several business fairs, says she is ready for what the future holds.
She commended Zikulise for their efforts in providing skills to those who are unemployed and helping them earn a living from their chosen crafts.
Every year, Zikulise Community Upliftment Project honours a past trainee for the progress they have made in their entrepreneurial journey.
Since its inception, Zikulise has offered income-generating skills training to over 6 000 unemployed community members.
The organisation offers training in, among others, baking, traditional bead weaving, textile art, sewing and hand-weaving.
Zikulise's executive director, Julie
Johnson says the
Judy Barbour award recognises those who have taken full advantage of the skills training programme.
She said the organisation, which relies on funding support from various stakeholders, remains steadfast in its mission to provide entrepreneurship skills to uplift communities for many years to come.