Smarties Week, aptly named for all the ‘smarts’ acquired during the week, allows the Clover Mama Afrika ladies to unite, as they travel from all corners of South Africa to partake in a hands-on training course which provides them with value-added workshops. This year’s Smarties week was all about a 'Breeze of Fresh Air'.

To get the mamas in the spirit after their travel to Cape Town, they were treated with a day on the beach with some traditional singing before the hard work started. The days that followed were packed with skills workshops to upskill including a mosaic class by the Clover Mama Afrika team, a baking class with Siyabonga Africa, artwork with Ezette van der Merwe, a flower arranging course with Gerda Tuffin, and a knitting and sewing tutorial with Rachel du Toit.

Smarties Week concluded with an emotional award ceremony which recognised the achievements and successful projects of these mamas throughout 2016.

The winners are:

  • Gauteng based Mama Mary Lwate, who was named Performer Extraordinaire;
  • Business Woman of the Year went to Mama Mirriam Makamu of Tembisa;
  • Mama Selestien Moses from Ashbury received the Top Achiever Of The Year;
  • Most Improved was awarded to Mama Doris Ndingane from Keiskammahoek;
  • Top Cleanliness and Hygiene awards went to Mama Glenrose Mashiqa of Mdantsane, Mama Dorah Semenya of Seshego, and Mama Florence Nyakiso from Botshabelo; and
  • The Ultimate Cleanliness and Hygiene award went to Mama Nondumiso Mpitimpiti of Amalinda Forest.

Professor Elain Vlok, founder of Clover Mama Afrika, says,” These women have worked so hard to build a future for themselves and for their communities. They ensure that the children, the ill, and the elderly in their communities are not only cared and loved for but are given skills to empower themselves. I am so proud to award these mamas, their strength and commitment is inspiring.”

The Clover Mama Afrika project started as a humble project 13 years ago and has since developed into Clover’s flagship CSI project. Winning many accolades along the way, the project has, to date, appointed 43 Mamas throughout South Africa. These women collectively care for over 15 500 children and 2 500 elderly people, many of which are abused, orphaned, homeless, and vulnerable.

For more information, visit www.clovermamaafrika.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.