By Keneilwe Velaphi
Anna Moriti from Sebokeng in Gauteng is an example of what it means to start again after suffering the plight of unemployment.
In 2018, Moriti was left jobless after the company that she worked for closed down. Armed with a passion for designing clothes she soldiered on.
Today, the 35-year-old owns Tswakae Styles & Design (PTY) Ltd. Her business specialises in making and designing traditional clothing.
She said her love for design started while employed. Moriti explains that while employed, she enjoyed her craft and would sometimes find herself sleeping on the premises of the company she worked for, just to make sure that deadlines were met.
“When the company closed, it almost destroyed my life. I had plans to buy it and make it mine. I decided that I should start my own business.”
With an eagerness to succeed, in 2019 Moriti attended a design course at Sedibeng College and Skills Development where she obtained her design certificate.
In 2021 she opened the doors of Tswakae Styles & Design (PTY) Ltd using her savings as start-up capital.
"Starting a business was not easy. I had to take all my savings to start afresh, as we were struggling financially as a family.”
In 2022, she visited the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) looking for financial assistance.
“I requested financial assistance from the NYDA and the agency granted me R34 000. I purchased sewing machines, material, and iron, and constructed a small shack for my business.”
Because of the financial backing from the NYDA, Moriti’s business began to flourish.
She adds that she attracted customers that needed to sew and design clothing such as traditional garments, school uniforms, bridal gowns, and casual attire.
“Schools, churches, and brand shops began to trust me and started purchasing various types of clothing.”
Moriti expressed her desire to expand her business, generate more job opportunities for the community and establish a school to educate young people about design and sewing.
For more information on Tswakae Styles & Design (PTY)Ltd visit the Facebook page: Annah Tswakae or WhatsApp: 074 432 0694.
The NYDA can be reached at www.nyda.gov.za.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
