Building Toward Her Own Future

When Thuleleni joined a Zimele self-help group 10 years ago, she was young.

She became part of Zizamele, a group whose name means “We are trying.” There, she learned business skills alongside other women in her community—and found a group of women learning, sharing, and working toward better futures together.

Those lessons stayed with her.

Today, Thuleleni runs her own tuck shop, using her business to support her children and family.

Thuleleni has been part of Zimele since she was a young woman. Today, she runs her own tuck shop and dreams of growing it into a small convenience store.

Growing Together

Zimele's self-help groups are about more than learning a new skill. They bring women together to learn from one another, build confidence, and take steps toward greater independence.

For Thuleleni, being part of Zizamele gave her the opportunity to learn how to start and run a business while surrounded by other women on their own journeys.

After graduating from high school, she was able to use those skills to support her family through her own business.

Nearly a decade later, she is still building on what she learned.

A Bigger Dream

Thuleleni's tuck shop is already providing an income for her family, but she has her sights set on something bigger.

She dreams of moving her business into a larger space and adding meat, frozen goods, and other products. With enough space and a large refrigerator, she hopes to turn her tuck shop into a small convenience store of her own.

It's a dream that builds on everything she's already accomplished. She learned. She started. She built. And now, with confidence and the support of her group, she's ready to grow.

Still trying. Still building. Still dreaming bigger.