Zinto Zinhle
"Zinto zinhle" in zulu means "beautiful things", and you will see from the work that the team produces, that they live up to their name. Zinto zinhle is part of the Rosebank Homeless Association Project where volunteers work with individuals to help train them in sewing to enable them to create their own pieces to sell and therefore earn a living. 30% of all sales to Zambezi Designz goes to the Rosebank Homeless Association to help cover costs and then the remaining 70% goes to the individual who created the piece(s).
Sizwe Phungula
Sizwe is 30 years old and has his matric (highest level in South African highschools). Family problems in Kwa-Zulu Natal brought him to Johannesburg where he started the “shopping bag” factory and has gone from strength to strength. He has had a scholarship now for 3 years at Sew Africa Learning Design and Sewing Skills. He has done extremely well. For the last 2 years he has been the top student and is now specializing in sports wear. He earns his money from selling his work produced at Zinto Zinhle.
Thembi Maqina
Thembi is 28 years old and has his matric. Once he finished school he could not find work in Queenstown, Eastern Cape so came to Johannesburg. He used to live at Immaculate Shelter but has now managed to get accommodation in some apartments where he is the apprentice to the caretaker learning how to become a “handyman”. He has been with Zinto Zinhle for a year which allows him to support himself through his sewing.
Maria Mello
Maria comes from Polokwane in the Limpopo area. She was a domestic worker and when her employer died she battled to find work so she had to move into Immaculate Shelter. She joined Zinto Zinhle 2 years ago and manages to earn an income from her sewing.
Grace Sigasa
Grace comes from from Hammanskraal in South Africa, she was a domestic worker and lost her job. She now lives at Immaculater Shelter and came to work for Zinto Zinhle 4 days a week 3 years ago. She manages to support herself by selling her goods through the various markets.