Clover Mama Afrika started the week with relevant training courses for each of their Mamas in attendance. This included women looking after orphans, the elderly, and those who have HIV/Aids.

Over the years, the project has hosted 353 training sessions with over 2 066 beneficiaries. Professor Elain Vlok, founder of the project, says, "We cannot change the past, but we can definitely change the future and how better than to start the year off with a way better attitude, showing: I can do it."

The Mamas started off with a feedback session based on the past year, which also provided them with an opportunity to present how the project changed their lives as well as their communities for the better.

The next day began with a mosaic workshop, followed by baking training with Siyabonga Africa. A day was also spent doing art led by Creative Heartz, and the Mamas arranged flowers with the Cape School of Floristry.

They also learned skills in hair and beauty, taught by Terenzo Hairdressing and local beautician Elbie Brits of Beauty on the Beach. "The Mamas didn’t just look beautiful but they acquired some trendy beauty tips too," adds professor Vlok.

"These essential skills are refined by each Mama and passed on to various members of the communities, bringing to life the real meaning of skills transfer. The success of these Mamas is tantamount to their training and skills development. This is why the week concluded in a celebration of the year that was, with awards for the most outstanding achievements by Mamas in 2017," says professor Vlok.

The winners are:

Madiba Week: Mama Dorah Semenya

Mama Dorah Semenya of Seshego in Polokwane, who has been with the project for the last decade, has been awarded the Madiba Week prize, sponsored by MiX Telematics Enterprise BEE Trust. With this award, the 'Clover Mama Afrika' team will aim to renovate her centre and buy the necessary tools worth R110 000 for her to carry on the work she does in her community.

Performer Extraordinaire: Mama Mirriam Toni

Mama Mirriam from Mbekweni in the Western Cape claimed the Performer Extraordinaire award for her continuous empowerment of others, as well as her success in job creation.

Business Mama of the Year: Mama Florence Nyakiso

Sixty-nine year old Mama Flo achieved this award for her work in the Free State. The award is based on her financial skills, the employment of 28 others, as well as her ability to re-invest in her projects to build them further.

Top Achiever of the Year: Mama Selestien Moses

From Ashbury in the Western Cape, Mama Selestien won this award for increasing her catering project by 40%.

Most Improved: Mama Phumelele Mtshali

Mama Phumelele from Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal was announced as most improved, due to her project development and increase in income.

Ultimate Cleanliness and Hygiene Award

This award, sponsored by Eqstra Holdings, goes to Mama Toni and Mama Moses, both claiming their second award for 2017, and East London’s Mama Nondumiso Mpitimpiti.

These Mamas were presented with this award because they continuously aim to empower others in their communities and have aimed to maintain a solid infrastructure within their centres to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all members in their care.

All three Mamas will receive R50 000 worth of progressive cooking and baking courses. "We cannot thank Eqstra enough for their continued and valued support," says professor Vlok.

"I’m immensely proud of the women we work with. Each year I’m bowled over by their skills and absolute commitment and dedication to making the world a better place. While Smarties week 2018 has come to an end, the real work starts as we implement our 2018 motto of turning over a leaf," concludes professor Vlok.

For more information, visit www.clovermamaafrika.com. You can also follow Clover Mama Afrika on Facebook or on Twitter.