She lived in fear every single day, never knowing when the violence in her home would break out.
But although Puleng Makaba was like a punching bag for her partner, the fear of his abuse wasn't greater than the fear of walking away.
The world out there could be scarier, the young woman thought, especially for someone without a job and basic skills that could help her start her own life alone.
Then one day, Puleng Makaba decided enough was enough, and she left the abusive relationship.
The 31-year-old now has a driver's licence and plenty of dreams for a better future.
The survivor who received counselling at the People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa) Evaton office in the East Rand, is one of 21 women benefitting from an initiative by the NPO to empower GBV survivors with basic skills.
Getting the chance to learn how to drive is something Puleng describes as a “wonderful opportunity I grabbed with both hands”.
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“I like that we weren’t given learner’s licence manuals to study on our own at home, but that the driving school had classes on the manuals which helped a lot," she says.
"I was so excited to get my driving licence. It’s an amazing feeling to get behind the wheel.”
She is currently unemployed and feels that having a licence will increase her chances of finding a job in office administration.
“I put my whole heart into getting my driving licence,” she says. “Driving lessons are expensive and there’s no way I would have been able to afford them as I’m not working. I’m truly grateful to have been given this big opportunity.”
Economic empowerment is one of the greatest tools to use in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), says Powa, which is why it ran the skills development programmes for 21 survivors.
While some were trained to get their drivers licences, others received beauty training. Now 10 survivors have learners and driver's licences, while 11 others have learnt the art of wig making, nailcare and eyelash extension.
“A large number of abused women supported by Powa are young, unemployed or unskilled, so they struggle to make a living,” explains Jeanette Sera, Powa’s Acting Executive Director.
This is why the organisation is trying to go beyond only providing counselling for abused women. “Skills development opportunities are critical to enabling them to build their confidence, unleash their potential and earn an income," Jeanette says.
"By having a greater degree of financial independence, they are less likely to return to their abusers because they can support themselves and their children.”
Mirriam Mulaudzi, the owner of Khubeka Driving School on the Vaal and the Shumani Driving School in Soweto, where some survivors received their training, says it gives her great pleasure to have empowered them to learn to drive.
“It’s necessary for women to know how to drive so they can transport their children to school and run their errands easily, which enables them to manage their homes more effectively,” she says.
Through training provided by Carol Montsho, the founder and owner of Rabboni Beauty Salon in Johannesburg, other survivors were taught to make full cap wigs, mesh wigs and side part wigs, how to do acrylic and gel nails as well as eyelash extensions.
Additionally, they were taught marketing techniques, giving them insights on various issues like producing pamphlets and videos to promote a beauty salon business and the importance of staying on top of new trends.
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Thato Mogane (27), who worked in the beauty business for a number of years, says the training was extremely beneficial as she learnt new techniques of doing nails, applying lashes and structuring wigs.
“I like how it also provided knowledge on how to market and run a beauty salon business,” she says.
“I learnt about branding, how to manage and clean your equipment, take care of your clients and the secret of having your own unique selling point to make your business special and stand out from the rest. Working in the beauty industry fulfils me because if you look good, you feel good.”
The start-up kits they received include things like a UV light, soaking bowls, acrylic powder, brushes, buffers and shiners.
“It is such a great honour to have been given the opportunity to impart skills to GBV survivors to enable them to go out anywhere in the world and use them to survive on their own and serve the public as well,” Carol says.
