The Clothing Bank Winelands

The first Clothing Bank was established in Cape Town in 2010, in response to the growing problem of unemployment amongst single mothers and the lack of support that they receive from the father of their children. Of all mothers in South Africa, 40% are single and for single mothers unemployment rates are over 60%. Less than 50% of father’s contribute anything towards their child’s welfare, which leaves the single mother with no choice but to rely on the state for welfare. Child grants are R300 per month per child and with an average of 2 children per household, families are surviving on welfare of R600pm. 1L of milk and 1 loaf of bread costs R20 per day or R600 per month, so this means that children raised by a single mother, are highly likely to live in poverty with little prospects for their future.
We source excess clothing from the major retailers, manufacturers, and the general public in South Africa and use this clothing as the tool to teach. After the initial training, we sell the women a limited amount of clothing (up to R3500pm) at significantly discounted prices. They sell this clothing in their communities for an expected profit of R3500pm which is enough to feed, clothe and educate a woman’s family. Through this experience they are learning the vital lessons about running a business and building their self-confidence. We support them with mentoring to ensure that when they face an obstacle, they have a support network which encourages them to find their own creative solutions to the problem. We build their self-esteem by showing them that they have the potential to be successful through real success stories. They have the opportunity to earn an income while they learn and tend to the immediate needs of their family.
Throughout the programme the women’s performance is monitored. In order to remain on the programme and to be eligible to buy clothing, women are required to meet minimum buying levels as well as work as required and attend training, mentoring and coaching.
In the first year of training the women are taught 28 different modules ranging from financial literacy to parenting skills. In their second year of training the women do a learnership comprising of a computer course which is ICDL (International Computer Driving License) and MICT (Media Information Computer Technology seta) accredited and the Informal Small Business Practice programme which is SAQA accredited and equivalent to NQF level 3.
At the end of the 2 years, the women graduate. Some women continue selling clothes by signing wholesale contracts with us, others run their own businesses which they have been growing during the programme. Opportunities are also provided for women to buy into micro franchises such as bakeries, nail salons and early child development centres.
Our Enterprise Development programme ensures that TCB has the capacity to earn an income to cover a large portion of its costs. We aim to cover 60% of our operational costs in this way.
The Winelands branch is the second Clothing Bank to be opened. We took on the project in April 2013 and despite many challenges have been growing from strength to strength. We have women on the programme from the Winelands area including Wellington, Paarl, Gouda, Klapmuts, Kraaifontein, Stellenbosch, Pniel, Kylemore and Franschhoek.
We are based at Spilo in Paarl and are easily accessible by train or taxi, making this an opportunity for unemployed mothers in the broader Winelands area.
To apply the women must be:
• South African citizens or permanent residents
• Fluent in English
• Mothers with dependent school going children
• Unemployed
• Preferably be at least 30 years of age
• Self motivated individuals who are not expecting a job but rather taking charge of their futures and prepared to do the work required.
The Clothing Bank also regularly assists other registered Non Profit Organisations in the winelands areas by donating excess garments to them based on their need requirements.