WELCOME TO THE MDANTSANE WAY MAGAZINE

Mdantsane is a unique, vibrating, eclectic, African place. Follow us on a pilgrimage to Mdantsane to discover the street culture, fashion, food, people, music, homes, taverns, humor, businesses, history and what's hot in the second biggest township in South-Africa, located close to the city of East London in the Province of the Eastern Cape. Join us on this journey while we capture the spirit of this amazing place for you in the here and in the now. We are going to introduce you to many individuals, artists, musicians, groups and associations.
They are the HEROES OF DAILY LIFE. They are the people who create, innovate and improve their life and their stories deserve to be told. This is a place for only good and positive stories of humanity, that will send out a message of courage, endurance and strength to the world through their pictures and words.

Monday, February 22, 2010

THE SEWING SISTERS OF THE CHURCH

       AND OUR BREAD GIVES US DAILY


Entrepreneurial activities sprout everywhere. In every street of every unit. They are no limits in terms of creativity, improvisation, the use of space and logistics and in the way business is done. There is an unbreakable spirit of self-help and help-each-other attitude amongst the citizens of Mdantsane.


The TWO SEWING SISTERS have set up their business in a church. 
The importance of networking has not to be explained to the people of Mdantsane. This small business was created when the Ethembeni Old Age Home received a donation of brand new modern sewing machines and had no immediate use for them.


But two ladies with exceptional sewing skills and ambitious attitude were already seizing the opportunity and with the church's permission to use the space during the week a small sized business was created in a couple of days.


The space is enough to expand and who complains if he has a whole church as a workshop. And their skills are quite considerate. Where have they learned sewing,,, by themselves of course.


And it is not surprising that this demanding business was started by the two ladies at an age where some others might be turning thoughts about retiring and the way they will spent the rest of their lives. There is no slowing down here in this part of town and we have never heard  the expression " too old " which had a relieving effect on us. The spirit in the township is the opposite to some European countries where everything has to happen when you are young.


The success of their business is based on the fact that they do know their costumers, that they have found their market and that the quality of their products is of a very high standard. There is mutual understanding and respect for each other and a shared love for peanut butter and Rooiboos tea.


The recipe is easy, they say:  " TRADITIONAL WILL NEVER BE OUT OF FASHION ".
And do it as the costumers want it. !


But although cherish the way a lady dresses.....

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