Portia Mtelekiso, 43

Mother of two, Lives in Paarl

I’m 43, with two kids. I like to be independent. I had two jobs before that didn’t work out. Then Penny told the women in my community about TCB, fortunately I was among them.

When I got there I had doubts because of the appearance of the people. They were amazing and friendly. I compared myself to them, my shoes were not right and I felt ashamed. The ladies were always smiling and hugging us, I was not used to that. They noticed and showed me love.

The training helped me a lot to build my confidence. I can talk now and I feel like I was in the dark but now I see the light. Coaching helps me a lot because I can share everything with my facilitator and my group. I always worried about my family, forgetting about myself. Now I can take time to look after myself in the mirror. Mentoring helps me because I can budget and do my books.

The good news is that I bought myself a cupboard and couches. Before TCB, I used crates to make chairs. I did not like visitors because I was ashamed of my chairs but now I’m comfortable. They can come anytime. I like what I’m doing. I can also work a computer and do my work – it’s exciting. I never thought that I can work a computer in my entire life.

Shaped by struggle, driven to succeed

Nkumbulo Magqabi’s journey has been shaped by loss, hardship and perseverance. Through the TCB Repair Programme, he developed technical skills and built a business that now allows him to provide for his family with pride.

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