Sibanye Economic Empowerment is a craft marketing body that provides market access and skills training for HIV-infected crafters, and, in the long term, is aimed at empowering the larger disadvantaged communities which are affected by HIV and AIDS. It is based in the township of Khayelitsha, just outside the city of Cape Town. The organization, which gets its name from the Xhosa expression meaning “together, we are one,” was founded in 2004 under President Thabo Mbeki’s Urban Renewal Program.
TESTIMONIALS
Mallory Ericson
Spring 2008 South Africa Service Learning participant
When I came to Sibanye, I was put in charge of the wholesale division. In this area people are able to order some of our products in bulk. My job has been to develop the wholesale catalogue with a current price list, a physical thing to send to our new and old clients. At the same time, I have been reviewing the website and working with our developer to put the finishing touches on it. Though this is the area I mainly focus on, I have had a chance to work in other areas of the organization.
The addition of Sibanye’s Coffee Bar has let me use my four years of coffee shop experience. In that area I have been organizing and setting it up to be like an actual coffee bar. Doing this has lead me to be in charge of ‘catering’ for the training courses. I put together the plates and set up everything for the participants. Also, I have helped out in the craft shop, reorganizing to make it more attractive and have worked behind the register during large tour group visits. Lastly, I have been building relationships with community members, employees and other volunteers.
Sibanye has allowed me to get a taste of the non-profit world and how an economic empowerment program actually works. It has been a great fit for me because I am able to do many different things and be independent in my tasks. At Sibanye, I have met some of the most amazing people that inspire me everyday and have shaped the experiences I have had in South Africa.
Email Mallory for more information!
Robbie Wiedie
Fall 2007 South Africa Service Learning participant
My service learning at Sibanye has molded my knowledge of business economics through real-world experience. One of my main projects thus far has been to serve as the eyes and ears between the organization and its members, assessing the effectiveness of Sibanye's actions within the communal atmosphere over the last three years in comparison to its organizational mission. This project has given me the chance to get out into the community and meet new people every day, while also gathering important information for the public relations aspect of Sibanye. Besides my meetings, I am also working to finish a new website which features all of Sibanye’s members’ crafts, as well as designing the layout and content of this year’s Annual Business Report. Sibanye has not only enriched my sense of community, but has been integral in allowing me take my knowledge of business from the classroom and apply it in real life situations. I enjoy a sense of fulfillment in my service learning, knowing that my work to improve the communication between Sibanye and its members helps to amplify the overall vision of empowering South Africa.
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Katie Littelmann
Fall 2006 South Africa Service Learning participant
I do managerial work at Sibanye. Right now, I am working on getting certain products featured in Elle and Cosmopolitan Magazines. Also, I do stock take every month to see what sells and what to order more of. In addition, I liaison with the Tour Operators to bring groups into the store which is our main source of revenue.
Email Katie for more information!
