My name is Memory. I’m 27 years old. I’ve got 2 children who are living out of the country with my parents. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being able to create dresses and I loved watching my mother sewing. My dream came true four years ago, when I had the opportunity to join the team of seamstresses in the workshop where I work today. This is where I learned all the sewing and trimming techniques. My dream, that I share with a few colleagues, is to have our own sewing workshop in a few years.

My name is Mandla. I leave in Soweto, South Africa, with my wife and my three kids. I started sewing in my brother’s factory when I was a young boy. This is where my passion and my expertise come from. I was honored to be selected by Kalunza to lead the team of sewers and embroiderers. I am so proud to know that our creations travel all over the world. I feel like I am traveling myself. Thanks to Kalunza, my business has grown significantly, and I can give a better support to my family.

My name is Nomthandazo. I'm 32 years old. I live in Soweto, Johannesburg. I am originally from Mozambique. I have a 9-year-old daughter who lives over there with my mother. I started working in sewing workshops at the age of 20 years old in Mozambique. It hasn't always been easy, but I love my job. In 13 years, I learned a lot of techniques. In 2020, due to the Covid 19, the clothing company for which I used to work had to stop its operations. I lost my job. It was very hard for one year. I joined the Kalunza "Makers" team in February 2022. Thanks to this work, I can once again pay school for my daughter and have a decent living. Thank you so much for your support!

Hello, my name is Mitchell. I am 35-year-old. I leave in the CBD (Central Business District) of Johannesburg.  I have been working for Kalunza as an overlocker and presser since the very beginning of this new adventure and it has been a great journey to give life to these colourful creations. My professional dream? One day I would love to become a sewing lecturer at a learning college institution to pass on my passion to young people.

My name is Nomvebo. I am 25 years old. I live in a suburb of Johannesburg. I started sewing alongside my mother and my aunts who had opened a sewing shop in the village where we lived. I was fascinated by the speed they took to create a suit from just a few pieces of fabric. At 17 years old, I decided to become a sewer and I had the chance to learn, for 2 years, the techniques of sewing in a sewing school. I am very proud to collaborate now on Kalunza's creations. I do my best to live up to the team's expectations in terms of quality. That’s our daily challenge.

Hello, my name is Gladys. I am 38-year-old. I am the proud mother of 3 kids who live with me and my husband in Johannesburg. I am an all-rounder machinist and designer for Kalunza. I learnt how to saw in one of the factories I used to work for in the past. I have a passion for design. Therefore, I do this job now.

My dream is to continue growing daily in this industry.