Stories
Laurium Capital took place in Villiersdorp community, the training was very helpful to the new learners, they have learned a lot about savings their money in different ways, which can makes them to invest more and more. The challenge we have in these groups is, getting paid after the training. Some the y did not go to work, because of they attending the training, most of the Farms it's No work No pay.
Vunani CFE took place at Theewaterskloof municipality at Villiersdorp town, it was interesting to do trainings with the taxi drivers and few Owners. It was not a good time for them, they were still fragile of what had happened on the 10th of February 2025, they don't want to take fotos but I was able to take one. Training taxi drivers was such an amazing experience I've ever seen, knowing that most of them, They can't even save or investing their money, it's challenging them, but I managed to show them the easiest way of saving money, The biggest challenge is their businesses that is too informal,and it also fluctuates during the the year due to seasonal times, it was also a lesson to have this training to see and listen hoe do they use their money. The most important thing is their participation, lots of questions and inputs, the very most important inputs is to have these trainings with their families,to have these trainings with their Owners.
On the 22nd of February, I trained the community of Umnini, situated on the South of Durban. Sihle Zikhali is an active member of the community who ensure that her community do not miss important and much needed opportunities. She invited her community, mainly the youth to attend the Money Fo Sho training session. They participated with enthusiasm, sharing their life experiences. The youth got a chance to learn about money management at an early age, which help them to make informed decisions on money matters.
Foord MTE take place at Villiersdorp Noncedo day care Center, it was a successful day especially for the the kids, to learn about the savings in that age, it was something new to the parents and the teachers, they really enjoyed it, it also has empowered them, and bring financially freedom to the house holds. The kids has learn a lot about savings, especially when they were doing activities, the enjoy them the most.
Foord MTE take place at Villiersdorp Noncedo day care Center, it was a successful day especially for the the kids, to learn about the savings in that age, it was something new to the parents and the teachers, they really enjoyed it, it also has empowered them, and bring financially freedom to the house holds. The kids has learn a lot about savings, especially when they were doing activities, the enjoy them the most.
I had the awesome privilege to train ground staff at Sanlam headquarters in October. So great was the session that one of the participants asked for our contact details so that he may get more info for his wife. The session was on MM1 (My Budget: Digging Deeper.) so we covered the 50/30/20 rule and finding money in your budget. Participants were very engaging in the session, particularly when it came time to do poetry/raps about the topic. Many confessed to not have considered budgeting in the past but said that things would definitely change going forward!
I had an exciting session training the Mining Unemployment forum today. I came across questions relating to the 3 pot system whereby others were questioning why their parents have claimed but have not received payments yet and some were informed that they don't qualify for the 3 pot system though their colleagues qualify. It was a very energetic and participants all shared their experience when it comes to job hunting. And the challenges faced by youth when it comes to employment and their financial stability. One of the participants Mr Montsho Matsunyane shared his experience, he told the group he has been unemployed for 2 decades but managed to raise his three kids through grocery deliveries and with his garbage collection in the area with his kids. He added that PRIDE is one of the biggest challenges for youth, as they have great business ideas but are failing to implement/action their plans. He also emphasis that they are getting SRD grant from the government but use it for unnecessary expenses like alcohol and drugs instead of building township economy. He advised the youth to create a platform to form part of the township economic cycle through SMME's and Co-operates. Mapaseka Ramatsebe shared how she makes income from her working friends by asking them to leave their kids with her during the weekends and assist them in completing their homework. It was really an exciting and participative session.
Another great opportunity to train communities on Money Fo Sho under Safrican/Amana Shembe Foundation, this took place in Clermont, one of the historical townships in Durban on the 28th and 31st of October. Apparently, when people are called for trainings in the community hall, they only come with the intention of getting food as most people in the area are unemployed but this session was a life changer to the majority of the learners as I managed to first change that attitude before starting the training. As we embarked on the training topics, they were clear that it does not matter how much money you have in your hands but what is important is how you manage it. Much introspection was done and each of them realised that actually they can be able to live better with the little grant they get, all they need to do is to have a plan for their money and stick to it as all the goals can be achieved with even the little change in their budget. Learners were also excited to learn about the goal setting principles and said they could not wait to apply them and see the results. There was a request from Community Leaders for more of such trainings and we promised to bring the training back next year as the project was about to close soon.
On the 17th and 18th October I trained two groups who were on a Learneship under Makoya Trading Enterprise, a Training provider I usually collaborate with in the training field. They had two groups, one for Catering which had a mix of young and elderly, the other one was for Furniture making and was all youth. This made the training very interesting as there were arguments around the topics we touched on Young People and Money, Money and Beliefs and Buying Big Tickets Items. We spent much time on Money and Beliefs as there were different views on the issue of culture, religious and black tax. Some learners were very emotional when it comes to how they felt exploited by their parents who were demanding and forcing them to do things for them because they educated them so they have to sort of pay back. They were sharing how that black tax hindered their progress in life. Pertaining the cultural beliefs, learners were vocal about how getting more involved can be a draw back as most of these rituals need a lot of money. The highlight was then the topic of buying big ticket items, the learners expressed their gratitude on this topic especially the young ones as they were enlightened and would be able to make good decisions when buying a car or a house. The enthusiasm of the youngsters in the group made the session one of the memorable ones and it was also noted that these two days improved their interpersonal skills and they were getting to know each other since the session took place on their first week of the Learnership Programme. As much as Financial Literacy is a Life Skill training but it also teaches learners some other soft skills which are much needed in life too.
