The seams of success

TWO women, Precious Makofane and Tebogo Moloto, are making the most of their talents by making beautiful African traditional clothing in the mining town of Burgersfort.

Makofane and Moloto have proven to be quite a success with tourists who travel through the town.

They say they started their business in 2007 when the former president, Thabo Mbeki, introduced the Vukuzenzele, wake up and do it yourself, campaign and they have never looked back since.

The women say they want to fight poverty and unemployment by creating their own job opportunities and by growing the local economy. “We want to change many lives in our area through our business. We believe our dream can come true,” says Moloto.

Mafokane, a mother of four, says she enjoys making clothes and running a business. “It is better than sitting at home. My children are in school and I have no problem with school fees,” she says.

Moloto, who has one child, says they plan to move their business into a building soon, so that they will no longer have to battle with the problem of dust.

CV spoke to Greater Tubatse municipal spokesperson, Thabiso Mokoena, and he says the municipality’s doors are always open for people who want to register their businesses.

“We support all small businesses,” he says.