Unemployed woman from Loyd, a local nickname for Thabo Mbeki squatter camp in Cape Town, came up with an idea on how they can help each other grow and make their houses look better.
Nomawethu Bangelo (41) said she is one of 10 unemployed woman who started a group called Oomama baseLoyd in May this year.
Each person contributes R250 when it’s time for a meeting – which totals R2 500. They use this money to buy one special member a birthday present.
“We decided to help each other out by putting our money together to buy a birthday present for that member.”
They last met at member Nandipha Naki’s place where they bought her a beautiful new cupboard for her birthday.
Another member, Mila Mpayipheli (35), said they decided on what to buy the member by visiting her house.
“The birthday celebrant can’t know what it is because we want it to be a surprise.”
They said there was no reason to let unemployment stand in the way of making their houses look beautiful and decent.
“This is why we help each other out. Some of us sell chicken feet so they can contribute R250 when it’s time.
“Those who have husbands said they don’t want to bother them by asking them for money all the time.
“It is good to do something for yourself without asking your husband or boyfriend for help.”
