After officials failed to respond to her job creation project for women, Anna Thuli Shelembe, a 58-year-old woman, decided to start small from her own kitchen in Alberton and Spruitview.

She used affordable herbs to help people improve their health, treat vitiligo and other conditions.

With no rent to pay, no loans and very little money, Anna built her business on hope, determination and a passion for helping others. She started using affordable herbs to help women regain their confidence and improve their health, proving that a small beginning can make a big difference.

“I started in my kitchen with inexpensive herbs because I wanted to help women regain their confidence. I had no rent, no loans, just hope. I want my story to inspire other women to believe that they, too, can start with what they have. Never give up, because life is too short. Do small things with great love,” said Anna.

One of the people she has helped is her son, Lucky Shelembe, who recovered from vitiligo after receiving treatment with her natural herbal remedies.

“My mother treated me with her natural herbal remedies after I developed vitiligo. I saw the difference they made in my life, and that gave me confidence. I believe her knowledge can help many other people, and I am proud of the work she is doing for our community,” said Lucky.

Anna collects herbs from different parts of South Africa as well as from outside the country, including Namibia and the Kalahari. She has built a strong relationship with the San, Bushmen communities in Namibia, who share their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs with her.

She uses this knowledge and the natural remedies she prepares to support people with various health conditions while promoting the value of indigenous healing practices.

Today, Anna continues to teach and mentor others while her daughter, Sonia Shelembe, runs a community centre beauty and wellness service in Alberton.

Together, they offer therapeutic body and foot massages using organic herbal oils to help people suffering from joint pain, stiffness, sore muscles and tired legs.

They also provide house call beauty treatments, including manicures, pedicures, nails, lashes, makeup and hair care, making professional services affordable and accessible to pensioners and residents who cannot easily travel.

Working alongside Sonia, Anna is also expanding her community project by using machines to produce peanut butter, fish oil products and candles.

Through these initiatives, she hopes to create job opportunities while empowering women with practical skills.

Giving back remains at the heart of her work. She hopes to train people in beauty and wellness so they can become financially independent, build confidence and create better futures for themselves and their families.

Anna believes everyone deserves the opportunity to improve their lives, regardless of their age or circumstances.

“My goal is to help people feel better, move easier and look their best. More importantly, I want to create opportunities for others because when we invest in people, we strengthen families and uplift our communities,” she said.

Residents interested in supporting the initiative or learning more about Shelembe’s wellness services, herbal products or community training programmes can contact Anna Shelembe on 072 054 0088 or Sonia Shelembe on 067 716 3756.