This week, the hardworking women of eQonce received long-awaited equipment and support, which will allow them to create more garments, work with ease, and grow their enterprise.
eQonce, South Africa (23 July 2026) – In the community of Sweetwaters in eQonce, Eastern Cape, a group of resilient women are using their hands and skills to uplift their families and rewrite their futures. Together, they are the driving force behind the women-led Sihlangule community organisation.
Through their Multi-Purpose Cooperative community enterprise, these women specialise in garment manufacturing and sewing. But their work goes far beyond stitching fabric. By offering skills development in professional tailoring, micro-enterprise operations, and business management, they also equip local women to build their own futures.
Through selling their finished clothing and textile products directly into local markets, members generate independent income, breaking the cycle of poverty and reducing reliance on social grants.
It is a movement that inspires women to stand up and write a new chapter for themselves in an area where opportunities are often limited.
Having witnessed their positive impact firsthand, achieved with very limited resources, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Princess Faku, made a promise to give Sihlangule the backing it deserved.
“Last year, when I visited Sweetwaters, I sat with members of this community. I listened carefully to your challenges, your dreams, and your aspirations,” Faku shared.
“You did not ask for handouts. You asked for opportunities. You asked for tools that would enable you to work, to produce, and to build sustainable livelihoods for yourselves and your families.”
On Wednesday, 22 July, Faku returned to Sweetwaters, not empty-handed, but to fulfil the promise she had made by handing over two industrial sewing machines, 300 metres of Umbhaco fabric and 300 metres of African print fabric to Sihlangule.
The handover unfolded as a joyful celebration of relief and hope. The women warmly welcomed the new support, knowing these tools would empower them to work more efficiently, expand their production, and take their craft even further.
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