BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – In a ground-breaking collaboration, the European Union (EU), International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade have joined forces to support a rural women cooperative from KaNdinda, in the Manzini Region, in their quest to create sustainable livelihoods and job opportunities.
The cooperative named ‘Indzaba Yami’, which translates to ‘my story’ in the local language, was founded in June 2021 by 15 determined women from KaNdinda to generate employment, particularly for women, through the production of artisan goods, the cooperative has grown to include 20 members, including two men and four young individuals. Officially registered in November 2023, Indzaba Yami, through the support from the EU, ITC and Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, has already made significant strides in empowering its members and uplifting their communities.
The cooperative is part of the beneficiary Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),under the EU-funded’ programme. The main objective of this EU-funded programme is to support job creation for small farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans. It also seeks to promote export-led growth, especially through the full utilization of the Southern African Development Community-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC-EU-EPA).
The Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Eva-Maria Engdahl, said the cooperative is a shining example of how collaboration can uplift and empower marginalized groups. “We hope that these rural women will continue defying the odds, creating jobs, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. We hope this will contribute to promoting sustainable rural development based on economic, social, and environmental benefits.”
Indzaba Yami Chairperson, Sithembile Vilakati, acknowledged the invaluable support provided by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade in facilitating the formation of the cooperative. She further expressed her appreciation for the subsequent partnership with the EU and ITC which has been instrumental in expanding their horizons and enhancing their business acumen.
Elsie Mdluli, a member of Indzaba Yami, shared the motivation behind their collective endeavor. “We were driven by the desire to combat poverty and establish a sustainable income-generating business that would secure a better future for our children,” she explained.
With limited opportunities for employment in their rural setting, the women relied heavily on subsistence farming. However, they recognized the need to create a legacy business that would provide long-term stability for their families.
In addition to improving their livelihoods, the members of Indzaba Yami were determined to contribute to the development of their community and support those in need. Their vision extended beyond mere financial gain, as they sought to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
