Eastern Cape designer and dressmaker Asanda Makhasi had his prayers of 13 years answered at the weekend when the department of rural development and agrarian reform donated two industrial machines and fabrics to him.
The 34-year-old Tsolo dressmaker and father of two is one of several rural cooperative owners who received machines, fabrics, and baking equipment from MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane. “This gesture by the government will go a long way in changing not only my life but even those who are assisting me,” said Makhasi.
“For many years I have been praying to have a textile or industrial machine. For 13 years I have been operating with the small hand-operated home sewing machine. Now my prayers have been answered – not only with one but two industrial machines. I am over the moon.”
Makhasi, who is also an upholsterer, said the new machinery would improve the quality of his products and his business’s income.
As part of its rural development programme, the department supports 30 agricultural and non-agricultural cooperatives owned by women or youths, with about 265 members. Inputs such as machinery and material promote household food security, create jobs, and generate income.
Beehive equipment, sewing machines, baking machines, baking ingredients, fencing material for fruit production, and jam-making equipment are some of the materials, valued at R700000, which Qoboshiyane handed over to cooperatives.
Kwakho Cooperative owner Nokwanele Ngantweni, who got three sewing machines, including an over-locker, said the equipment will help her improve her clothing business.
“This equipment will help me make more clothes to sell to my clients so that I will be able to buy food for my children,” she said.
“I also have a food garden at home but making traditional clothes including imibhaco, means more profit to be able to take care of my children, and pay for their education.”
Qoboshiyane also handed over 82 Dohne merino rams, 12 boer goats, eight Nguni and Brahman bulls, and 10 Bonsmara heifers, to farmers and livestock owners in various areas in Mbizana and OR Tambo district.
“This is part of government’s livestock improvement programme in the province in a bid to help farmers benefit from the red meat, wool trading and other commercial agriculture businesses,” said Qoboshiyane. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Rural designer’s dream comes true
The 34-year-old Tsolo dressmaker and father of two is one of several rural cooperative owners who received machines, fabrics, and baking equipment from MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane. “This gesture by the government will go a long way in changing not only my life but even those who are assisting me,” said Makhasi.
“For many years I have been praying to have a textile or industrial machine. For 13 years I have been operating with the small hand-operated home sewing machine. Now my prayers have been answered – not only with one but two industrial machines. I am over the moon.”
Makhasi, who is also an upholsterer, said the new machinery would improve the quality of his products and his business’s income.
As part of its rural development programme, the department supports 30 agricultural and non-agricultural cooperatives owned by women or youths, with about 265 members. Inputs such as machinery and material promote household food security, create jobs, and generate income.
Beehive equipment, sewing machines, baking machines, baking ingredients, fencing material for fruit production, and jam-making equipment are some of the materials, valued at R700000, which Qoboshiyane handed over to cooperatives.
Kwakho Cooperative owner Nokwanele Ngantweni, who got three sewing machines, including an over-locker, said the equipment will help her improve her clothing business.
“This equipment will help me make more clothes to sell to my clients so that I will be able to buy food for my children,” she said.
“I also have a food garden at home but making traditional clothes including imibhaco, means more profit to be able to take care of my children, and pay for their education.”
Qoboshiyane also handed over 82 Dohne merino rams, 12 boer goats, eight Nguni and Brahman bulls, and 10 Bonsmara heifers, to farmers and livestock owners in various areas in Mbizana and OR Tambo district.
“This is part of government’s livestock improvement programme in the province in a bid to help farmers benefit from the red meat, wool trading and other commercial agriculture businesses,” said Qoboshiyane. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
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