Senzakahle Co-Operative – Emerging Artists

Supporting Senzakahle Primary Cooperative: Empowering Communities Through Textile Manufacturing

Senzakahle Primary Cooperative, based in Bruntville, Mooi River, is a textile and clothing manufacturer dedicated to producing high-quality products, including linen, curtaining, fleece items, and various clothing pieces. Established in 2007, the cooperative was born from a group of five determined women who, after the closure of Mooi River Textile, combined their long-service packages to create a sustainable business for themselves.

Over the past 18 years, Senzakahle has become an integral part of the local community, offering warm gowns, jackets, and other products for local purchase. With the support of N3TC, the cooperative has been able to invest in top-tier sewing machinery, significantly enhancing their production capabilities. As part of the Midlands Meander, they have expanded their reach, marketing their products that include garments, bed linen, and custom-made staff uniforms, as well as offering business branding services.

N3TC’s ongoing support has been instrumental in uplifting this small enterprise, positively impacting the families involved and the broader community. Senzakahle’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and local entrepreneurship, making a lasting contribution to the economic and social fabric of the region.

For more information or inquiries, please contact:

• Ntombizodwa Khoza: 078 754 3168 | Email: senzakahle@gmail.com
• Sylvia Ntuli: 073 873 4542

History of Senzakahle Co-operative

Senzakahle Co-operative was established by former employees of Mooi River Textiles, following the closure of the factory in 2007. The factory shutdown resulted in significant job losses, prompting the affected workers to seek alternative means of livelihood and economic survival.

In 2008, during a visit to the Mpofana area by the Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the former employees approached the Minister to request assistance. The advice provided was for the group to form a co-operative as a sustainable business model. Following this guidance, training in co-operative business development was arranged through FET College, facilitated by the Department of Economic Development, and presented by Ms. Nombuso Ndlovu. This training marked the formal beginning of Senzakahle Co-operative.

The co-operative commenced operations using fabric off cuts from the former textile factory. Production initially relied on domestic sewing machines, focusing on the manufacture of scatter cushions and pillowcases. The local community played a vital role during this early stage by supporting the initiative through purchases, positive feedback, and words of encouragement, which motivated members to persevere.

As production increased, the co-operative was able to purchase one industrial flat sewing machine, enabling expansion into the manufacture of flat sheets and a wider range of bedding products.

In 2012, the Mpofana Municipality facilitated funding support for Senzakahle Co-operative through Mr. Sbu Kekana, with assistance from Mr. Fanele Masombuka, who was responsible for Local Economic Development at the municipality. Through this support, Mr. Sbu Kekana’s company purchased four sewing machines and two cutting machines for the co-operative. Thereafter, Mr. Mike Zuma further strengthened operations by donating overlock machines, significantly improving production capacity and product quality.

Despite operating under challenging conditions, the co-operative continued to grow. In 2014, Mr. Mhlengi Sithole from the Tourism Section of Mpofana Municipality assisted the co-operative in securing funding from N3TC. The funding amount of R20,000 enabled the purchase of fabric and a cutting table, which the co-operative previously did not have. These funds also made it possible to renew the co-operative’s registration certificate, ensuring continued legal compliance.

Following this support, members were scheduled for business administration and management training through SEDA, further strengthening their operational and managerial skills. Since then, the co-operative has continued to receive ongoing support from N3TC, contributing to its sustainability.

Being based in the Midlands, Senzakahle Co-operative benefited from marketing opportunities through Midlands Meander Destination Marketing. Over time, the business diversified beyond bedding products and now focuses on the manufacture of sweaters with branding as well as decorative home items. The co-operative prides itself on creating products that transform houses into homes.

Senzakahle Co-operative expresses its sincere appreciation to its marketing partners, Midlands Meander, for their continued support, particularly through the online store marketing platform, which has assisted the co-operative in reaching wider markets and increasing sales.