My name is Zanele Ncube. I am 20 years old, married, and I have a two-year-old daughter. Before I joined Vhakundi Self Help Group, my life was very difficult. My husband did not have a job, and we depended on my inlaws for food and daily needs. I did not have my own income and I could not help my family.
Vhakundi self help Group was established through the Self-Help Group Approach being implemented by Community Youth Development Trust. Through the program , CYDT supports women and families to build a culture of saving , access small loans , strengthen livelihoods and work together to improve their economic wellbeing.
In June 2025, I joined Vhakundi SHG when it was formed. I started by saving R20 every week and attending meetings. From the group, I learned the importance of saving, planning, and working together as a family.
After four weeks, I took my first loan. I used the money to start a small grocery business. I bought groceries and sold them in my community. Within two weeks, I had sold everything. I repaid the loan with interest and remained with some profit. This gave me confidence to continue with the business.
Later, I took a second loan of R3, 000. I used part of the money to buy a bicycle for my husband so that he could look for part-time work more easily. I used the remaining money to increase my grocery business and also kept some money aside for food and emergencies.
The biggest change happened when my child swallowed a poisonous fruit in February 2026. Because I had saved money, I was able to rush her to the hospital and she received treatment on time. Before joining the SHG, this would not have been possible as I would not have had any money saved.
Today, I run a small but profitable business. My family now has food, and we no longer depend fully on our parents. My husband is more active in finding work and this has greatly increased our household income. I feel confident and respected in my home and community because of my capabilities as a mother, wife and daughter in law.. I am very thankful for CYDT for introducing the Self Help Group Approach in my area because it has changed my life socially and economically. I encourage other women to join Self Help Groups because they help families to survive and grow