Durban North sewing group needs helping hands to keep stitching
Val Cotterell, who runs the Siyathunga Sewing Group, is appealing for volunteers to guide the project as she prepares for retirement.
AFTER more than a decade of supporting unemployed women through running of the Siyathunga Sewing Group, Durban North resident Val Cotterell has decide to put her tools down and hand over the reigns to the next leader of the group.
The group, which helps unemployed women from all over Durban generate an income for their families through sewing, was started in 1993 under a tree in Cato Manor by retired social worker Moireen Stacey, Cotterell’s mother. She took over the running of the sewing group when Stacey died in 2020.
Now, with more helpers preparing to step down, the group is appealing to the community to help keep the initiative alive. Cotterell is appealing for volunteers and community support to ensure its work continues as several long-serving helpers prepare to retire at the end of the year.
“As I and many of my helpers will be retiring at the end of the year we are looking for volunteers that can possibly give the ladies tea and sandwiches once a month so that this sewing group can continue. If they would like to help with the sewing that too would be a bonus,” said Cotterell.
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The women meet once a month at St John’s Church Hall and sew articles in their homes using donated materials and sewing machines, bringing their completed work to the monthly meetings.
The group has also sought opportunities to market and sell its products at flea markets and through Living with Nuts in Kosi Bay and Linga Lapa in Nottingham Road.
“Family and friends have also supported the initiative,” said Cotterell. “The women are motivated by the sales of their work and the support they receive from outlets that help market their products.”
However, more assistance is needed to ensure the group can continue operating. The appeal includes volunteers, financial contributions, donations of sewing materials and help to repair sewing machines.
For more information, contact Val Cotterell on 072 380 8362 or Barbara du Plooy on 082 680 7851.
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