Threads of Hope

There was great excitement at Johannesburg City Corps on 28 February 2024 as 13 ladies graduated from the sewing classes that had been conducted three times a week over the last 5 months. This initiative was a combined effort of collaboration between the THQ Women’s Department and the Central Division fuelled by the desire to equip and empower women with practical sewing and business skills that could help them bring about transformation in their lives. This programme commenced under the leadership of Major Noluntu Semeno in 2023 and was transferred to Major Margaret Stafford at the beginning of the year due to a change of appointments. This group of ladies was instructed by fashion designer Bonginkosi Masango, and the programme included creating patterns, basic sewing skills and concluded with designing and creating an item of clothing. The sewing classes also included some basic business skills that could help these ladies become successful entrepreneurs as they put their newfound sewing expertise into practice.

During the graduation ceremony, each lady modelled the work of their hands and showed off their impressive handiwork by wearing their beautiful creations. Speaking of the time and energy invested in training the ladies, Bonginkosi Masango said: “This has been the biggest highlight of my life!” The Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries (TSWM), Lieut Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo, commended the ladies on their resilience during their training before presenting certificates, with the assistance of the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Torben Eliasen, to each of the graduating ladies. Three additional special certificates of acknowledgment were presented by the Chief Secretary, Lieut Colonel Themba Mahlobo, for: Most Hardworking Student, Most Improved Student, and Best Overall Student. When acknowledging the graduates, Lieut Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo said: “You can put a woman anywhere and she will rise. Give a woman a seed and you have a tree with fruit.”

Each of the ladies have written a brief testimony of what their time in the sewing programme has meant to them or what is has accomplished in their lives. This is what some of the graduates said:

A lot has changed. I have always liked the idea of sewing so now I am sewing. I am a designer.
Memory Mazai

Now I know how to lay a pattern. I have learnt how to sew. I could not do this before but now I can. I can
look at a dress and know how it was designed. These are important skills for me as a mother. I will now be able to sew for people and charge them. It will make a very big difference in my life.
Sisekukhanyeni Mthombeni

This course has changed my life so much. At the age of 48, I can do something that I could not do before. I can do something with my life. I can do a business. I can teach other people – even my kids because I have the knowledge.
Sunungurai Masvinge

I have learnt a lot of things. I am naturally gifted at using my hands. I have now added another skill which I am going to use.
Similo Mishi

This course will help me a lot. I will be able to do jobs at home – like cushions etc. I don’t have a machine so I will have to do it by hand and will save up for a machine to help me get more money.
Kholisani Vundla

This course has changed my life. Now I am able to make my church uniform. When I have money, I will buy equipment to start my own business.
Monketso Nare

Now I can use my hands to do something. At last, I can be financially independent. I can now make a
dress for my children and my family. I am planning to take this further. Thank you so much to the donor who made this possible. It has been wonderful to come together as women to have fun and fellowship and to learn skills.
Enobong Okoko

I have never known anything about sewing. I feel that I am a professional designer. I have only known hairdressing. I am so thankful to The Salvation Army.
Shumirai Madafi

This course has changed my life. I could not even sew a button. I had no confidence. But NOW, now I have the confidence to try anything.
Linda Chitsiga

This course has changed my life. This has been my dream for so long. This is a dream come true. I used to sew without a teacher now I have a teacher. I am looking forward to an advanced class.
Nomatter Magayeni

I have achieved a lot. I could not thread a machine or sew. I now know how to cut and I am a
fashion designer and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Petronella Makaza

Two motivational speakers were part of the programme. Ms. Sithembile Ngcobo encouraged the ladies to build a support network as they move forward, to embrace failure as a catalyst for growth, while continuing to dare to dream big. Mrs. Lerato Molepo reminded the ladies that the skills they have received contain power that can be used to weave narratives of transformation using a needle and thread. Two of the graduates shared their testimonies thereafter. Mrs Gladness Mhlongo highlighted Psalm 20:4 as confirmation of what the Lord has done in their lives through this empowerment programme. Speaking of the training received she said that: “Your mind is like a parachute, if you don’t open it, it won’t work. That is what this course has done for us, it has opened our parachutes.” Mrs Tafadzwa Mwabaya affirmed that knowing God is the greatest joy of her life and she shared how God has helped her through difficult times in her life. Speaking of the programme, Tafadzwa said: “I found my purpose and my confidence has been restored!”

Commissioner Deise Eliasen, the Territorial President for Women’s Ministries, shared the Bible Message using Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman to encourage all in attendance, affirming that the ladies have been created in God’s image, that they are loved and deeply valued, and encouraging the graduates to, like the Samaritan woman did, go and tell people what they have experienced and share their encounter with Jesus. Reminding the ladies that their handiwork is an opportunity for people to see Jesus at work in their lives and that all things are indeed possible with God!

As the sewing project prepares for their next intake of students, we pray for these graduates as they continue to implement what they have learned, may this be the start of even greater things for each one!