Levels of unemployment and poverty in Majwayiza are extremely high. Many parents prior to the existence of Zisize were unable to pay for school fees and uniform, so Hlengiwe, the primary school principal began a women’s group to try to help them generate income for themselves. This had limited success but the women were very motivated and Zisize began working with them to produce craft items. This is still very much in its early stages and we need to find markets for the goods.

We will be further developing this work and finding new markets in 2009. If anyone is interested in commissioning an article, please click here to email Niki.

Hlengiwe also gave them a plot of land at school to grow vegetables as most homes have poor soil and no access to water.