Williams, who is 46 years old and from Mitchell's Plain, says that she rediscovered her gift and passion for sewing and design after her mother's passing on her birthday.

"The lack of job opportunities and the prevalence of drugs, alcohol and abuse can make it difficult for young women to see a positive future," Williams says.

In 2018, she founded the Design26 Foundation to provide:
  • skills
  • work opportunities, and
  • a positive outlook on young women in the community.

"The Design26 Foundation aims to break this cycle by providing training and employment opportunities to young women in our community," adds Williams.

Williams says that with youth unemployment in South Africa sitting at 43.4%, she and her team believe that providing training and employment opportunities is crucial to giving young women the tools they need to succeed.

Williams believes that addressing the issue of youth unemployment in South Africa is critical, especially considering the high rate of 43.4%. She and her team believe that offering training and employment opportunities is vital to empower young women and equip them with the necessary skills for success.

The foundation is seeking to raise R20-million to develop the "Hope Community Skills Centre and Manufacturing Plant" in Mitchell's Plain. The funds will be used to purchase land from the City of Cape Town and construct a building that will house the centre and manufacturing plant. The centre will have classrooms, training facilities, and equipment for sewing and design.

To achieve their objective, Williams and the Design26 Foundation are appealing to the public to collaborate with them in creating a better future for the youth of South Africa.

One way to contribute is by donating a brick for R100 or by committing to a monthly contribution through the crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy. Donors who are comfortable being acknowledged will have their names displayed on a donor board at the new centre.

"We believe that by providing training and employment opportunities, we can give young women the tools they need to succeed," Williams concludes. "Let's make a difference together." 

Individuals can contribute to this campaign with BackaBuddy or Snapscan. 



For more information, visit www.design26foundation.org.za. You can also follow Design26 Foundation on Facebook or on Instagram.