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A new approach to job creation
The cry for jobs is everywhere, but the magnitude of the crisis is stark. The creation of large-scale formal employment for millions is unlikely to happen soon. New ideas are needed — fast. The WAYSE programme — short for Women and Youth in Sustainable Enterprise—is...
Saving in the time of Covid: a review of 2021
More than half of South African women (51%) say they have experienced gender-based violence. That figure should be a call to arms, but, given the constant flow of news about GBV atrocities in this country, awareness campaigns like Sixteen Days of Activism for No...
Marcel Jakubec on working with SaveAct — and the future
When did you join the board and what are your core skills and experience? I joined the SaveAct board in 2015 and continue to feel proud of the incredible work being done to financially empower vulnerable South Africans. My experience is in strategy consulting, with...
SaveAct expands its fight against gender iniquities
The past year has been another tough one for South Africa, but despite the challenges that affected us all, SaveAct continued to expand its reach and there were even a few silver linings. Through our savings groups we are introducing more people to the reality of...
Benefits pile up for farmer who saves
The life of a farmer is never easy, but joining a savings group nearly a decade ago has helped to ease the load of Nelisiwe Dlamini, while also boosting her family’s enterprise. Dlamini lives in Mpumulwana-Centocow, a deep rural area in KwaZulu-Natal. Her village,...
Farmers reap rewards of Solidarity Fund voucher
SaveAct farmers who received a farming input voucher worth R2 000 from the Solidarity Fund earlier this year continue to reap the benefits. The vouchers were for the purchase of farming inputs, and were part of a drive by the Solidarity Fund’s Farming Input...
Interns upbeat after fruitful time with SaveAct
The end of September was the final day of internship for Senamile Mbatha and Sixolile Mkoliswa,, who have been with SaveAct for a year. Mbatha comes from a rural home near Ulundi and has an advanced diploma in Agriculture (Plant Production) from Mangosuthu University...
Board chairperson Ilan Lax talks about his 16 years with SaveAct
How did you first get involved with SaveAct and what was your role at the start? Anton* came to see me for legal advice about setting up an entity. I helped him define the aims and objectives of the trust and put in place the trust deed. He asked me to be a trustee...
KZN woman builds thriving rental business
At the age of 63, Nontsindiso Thutshini is the proud owner of five rental properties. She achieved this impressive feat by saving diligently for the past five years. Thutshini says the impact of joining a savings group in 2016 has been huge. An older single mother who...
Young farmer creates his own opportunities
A lack of opportunities pushed Siviwe Sulani to decide to start a business. He had land and some capital that he knew he could source from a savings group. Sulani (27) lives in a village near Matatiele, Eastern Cape with his parents and three siblings. He joined the...
Savings group lending facility saves business from Covid
Like so many entrepreneurs, Nomagugu Mfedu’s business took a knock because of Covid 19 last year. In 2019 this small-scale farmer from Highland, Bizana was raising broilers which she sold in the community and in town. Business was going well and she was making R5000...
Young mum with a plan strides forward
The death of Nompilo Mazibuko’s grandmother in late 2019 was a severe blow. Her gran had supported Mazibuko (27) financially and emotionally and life has been hard for the past three years. Little did she know at the time, however, that things were going to change for...
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