“I couldn’t even sew on a button – now I have the confidence to try anything!”

There was great excitement at Johannesburg City Corps on 28 February 2024 as 13 ladies graduated from the sewing classes held over the last five months.

Graduates had received training in pattern making, general sewing skills, designing and creating an item of clothing, and some basics in future business management.

Finished garments were modelled, certificates were presented, heartfelt testimonies were given, and in acknowledging the graduates, Lieut Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo said: “You can put a woman anywhere and she will rise. Give a woman a seed and you have a tree with fruit.”

Consensus from the graduates was that the course has changed their lives and given them hope for the future. And with August’s celebration of Women’s Day and Women’s month, we hope that you’ll join us in wishing the next intake of sewing students equal success and the opportunity for a better future.