The development of confidence is a key driver to the success of female led business.

This is according to professor Elain Vlok, Clover's manager of Clover Mama Afrika, who has witnessed the power of confidence and its link to the success of her Mama Afrika's businesses. 

"Our Clover Mama Afrikas are strong women who have worked hard to be where they are today and to manage their centres so successfully. This doesn't happen overnight but takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears, which is exactly what our Mama Afrikas have done," says Vlok. 

"Over the years, they have come to stand tall, are great speakers and are very confident in the work that they do at their centres. They are empowered, know who they are and know how to conduct themselves, and this results from years of training. They are proud to be women," adds Vlok. 

"They are proud of what they stand for and are proud to be Mama Afrikas. These women have truly grown and become empowered over the past 23 years and they continue to push themselves to be more," Vlok says.

Mama Sipiwe Solomons

Mama Sipiwe Solomons from Hazyview in Mpumalanga says, "The Clover Mama Afrika project has been a true blessing in my life. It's like a warm embrace, lifting me up and giving me the strength to continue my work. Over the years, it's empowered me in so many ways."

"First and foremost, the skills development workshops have been invaluable. I've learned new baking techniques, sewing patterns and even mosaic designs. It's not just about learning new skills, though. It's about staying relevant, keeping up with the times, and being able to offer the best to my community," adds Solomons.

Mama Solomons says that the publicity she receives from the project has been a game-changer for her and her centre. 

"My little centre is now known throughout the community and people come from far and wide to buy our baked goods, admire our sewing and purchase our mosaics. This not only brings in much-needed income but also gives the children a sense of pride and accomplishment," Solomons says. 

"But perhaps the most precious gift has been the mentorship from professor Vlok. The direct lines of contact with Clover Mama Afrika advisors have been a lifeline. Whenever I face a challenge, I know I can pick up the phone and get guidance from someone who truly cares," Solomons adds. 

"Professor Vlok has helped me navigate difficult situations, make informed decisions and grow as a leader. And of course, the resource provision has been instrumental in our success. The baking equipment, sewing machines, mosaic donations — these are the tools that enable us to do what we do best. They've turned our humble centre into a thriving hub of activity, where dreams are nurtured and futures are shaped," Solomons adds.

"But beyond all of this, Clover Mama Afrika has given me something even more precious: a sense of belonging. It's a sisterhood of women who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. We share our joys and sorrows, our successes and failures. We lift each other up and inspire each other to keep going," says Solomons.

"In short, Clover Mama Afrika has empowered me to be a better leader, a better mentor and a better servant to my community. It's given me the tools, the resources, and the support I need to make a real difference in the lives of these precious children. And for that, I am eternally grateful," adds Solomons.

Mama Nondumiso Mpitimpiti PITIMPITI

Mama Nondumiso Mpitimpiti from Amalinda Forest in the Eastern Cape says, "The Clover Mama Afrika project has been a great privilege to me as a person, my entire community and my centre. I am a confident business woman because of Clover Mama Afrika's continuous  upskilling and trainings courses."

"Most importantly it has provided me with the necessary resources and equipment for my centre to thrive. Professor Vlok always makes sure that the equipment we receive is functional and of great standard," adds Mpitimpiti.

"One of the most important things I admire is the annual visits I receive at my centre from Prof Vlok to evaluate where we are and make sure my centre is running properly and maintaining the right standard," Mpitimpiti adds. 

Mpintipminti says that she has been empowered with many skills through the project, such as: 

  • baking 
  • sewing
  • poultry farming
  • mosaic
  • cooking
  • financial management, and 
  • flowering. 

"These skills can never be taken from me and I am so grateful that I can now also equip others with these skills," Mpitimpiti says.

She adds that because of the project, she is now a business woman, a CEO and a woman of integrity.

“I am eternally grateful to professor Vlok for the excellent leadership over the years," Mpitimpiti adds. 

Mama Feziwe Gambo

Mama Feziwe Gambo from Ezimbokodweni in KwaZulu-Natal says, "The Clover Mama Afrika project has been a life-saver to me over the past four years. Professor Vlok has brought back all my confidence and made me understand who I am. This project has really empowered me and pushed me from being a charity woman to a business woman," says Gambo. 

"Clover Mama Afrika has transferred so many skills to help me and this has resulted in me generating income from many different sources. Today I'm being called 'A Jack of all trades' because of the skills I received from the project. I am now able to cook various types of dishes and my shop is flourishing because of my range of skills. I am so proud of being a Mama Afrika," Gambo adds. 

Mama Selistien Moses

Mama Selistien Moses from Ashbury in the Western Cape says, "Clover Mama Afrika has brought new meaning to my life, and it has changed my whole life in ways that I never imagined for myself."

"All the training I have received and the equipment that has been donated to me over the years have empowered me in such a way that it has also allowed me to empower all the people in my care," adds Moses.

"My life has been so enriched by this project and by professor Vlok. I have been empowered to become sustainable and take all my projects to new heights," Moses adds. 

60 Mamas

Clover Mama Afrika says that it has appointed 60 Mama Afrikas, and it celebrates the success of these Mama Afrikas with the continuous and ongoing empowerment of these women. 

According to the organisation, one of the key findings observed over the past 23 years of the project is that when a woman is provided with knowledge, a great impact is seen on her confidence level leading to her being empowered.

Because of this, the training and upskilling courses held throughout the year are a top priority for the project in order to equip each and every Mama Afrika, the project says.

As the Mama Afrikas are trained and upskilled, and they learn new skills and gain knowledge, they become more confident in themselves, as well as the role they have in their communities. Knowledge is empowering, Clover Mama Afrika concludes.

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

*Image courtesy of contributor