Clover Mama Afrika aims to empower women across the country with vital skills to ensure that they create a sustainable income for themselves, as well as those in their communities.

The project continues to achieve its goal of contributing to social economic development within the various communities in South Africa.

To date, Clover Mama Afrika has appointed a total number of 45 ‘Mamas’, who collectively care for almost 13 000 children and nearly 1 800 elderly people, many of which are abused, orphaned, homeless and vulnerable.

Its recent achievement is winning the Trialogue CSI Strategic Award. The judges commended the project for having a positive developmental impact that goes beyond brand reputation.

The team at Clover Mama Afrika looks at some of the Mamas whose lives have transformed through the essential skills that the project has empowered them with.

Mama Mirriam Makamu – Gauteng

Mama Makamu, who runs the Sipho & Mary Bakery in Tembisa, joined the Clover Mama Afrika project in 2015 after her husband, who was the sole breadwinner, became unemployed.

She took it upon herself to start baking products to sell at the local taxi rank. Fast forward to 2018 and Mama Mirriam is one the project's successful Mamas, with an income of over R 350 000 a month.

Mama Selestien Moses – Western Cape

Mama Moses opened her doors to the community of Ashbury in 2007 when she started her care centre named Khayalethu, where she takes care of 290 children and 84 elderly people.

Through her work, she has been offered the position of ward councillor and has become a spokesperson for Clover Mama Afrika and the members of her community.

Mama Emily Duda – Gauteng

Mama Duda, another baker from Gauteng, joined Clover Mama Afrika in 2011 and was the first ever small business owner to be appointed by the Clover Mama Afrika project. Her passion for baking led her to work at the Tea Garden situated in Muldersdrift.

Through her work, she was given the opportunity to run the in-house bakery at the garden centre. Mama Duda currently employs four staff members in her bakery and has transferred a total number of 17 skills to those that have worked with her.

Mama Yvonne du Preez – Northern Cape

Mama du Preez, a former captain in the South African Army, joined Clover Mama Afrika in 2017. 

She began her journey at the Oasis skills centre in 2008, which was previously run by Mama Mary Visagie. Here she gained eight years of experience, which she says motivated her to open her own sewing centre where she currently employs two additional Mamas. Mama du Preez mission is to lead her community to self-sustainability.

Professor Elain Vlok, founder of Clover Mama Afrika, says, "I am so proud of the 45 Mamas that have contributed to the success of this project. At our mid-year evaluation, the 45 Mamas have collectively transferred their skills to 10 673 members in their communities, provided never less than 320 community members with permanent employment and have run a total of 143 income generating projects."

"In a country where poverty terrorises many households, it is inspiring to see women become more independent and creating their own opportunities – not only for themselves, but those around them," adds Vlok.

To celebrate its birthday, Clover Mama Afrika surprised its colleagues at their head office with quilt pot holders that were made by top sewers.

Vlok concludes, "We are truly grateful for the continued support we receive from our project partners such as MiX Telematics, Eqstra and Unicode Systems. Their continued support throughout the years has largely contributed to the project becoming the success that it is today."

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