Sinamandla promotes the Self-help Group (SHG) approach throughout South Africa and currently works with implementing partners in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Free State. By the end of 2011, more than 5 600 women were members in 383 functioning SHGs formed by active Sinamandla partners; and 32 Cluster Level Associations (CLAs) were functioning. Approximately 30 000 household members were recorded as having benefited from having a mother, granny, sister or aunt in an SHG in 2011 (with over 13 000 being children under 18 years).

Winners of the Sinamandla Self-help Awards 2011

The SHG Member of the Year Award: This award was for the SHG member who best demonstrated evidence of being socially and/or economically empowered since joining her SHG and who had made a significant impact on her group or within her community during 2011. There were two winners, Lindiwe Nogqule of Masihlumisane SHG, Eastern Cape (formed by Angus Gillis Foundation) and Sinikeziwe Mdletshe of Siyazama SHG, KZN (formed by Amangwe Village).

The SHG Achievement Award: This award was for the SHG that best demonstrated evidence of social and economic empowerment within its group members and made a significant impact on its community through projects and IGAs. Only SHGs that were at least 6-months old were considered. The winner was KwaThanda SHG in eFuyeni, KZN (formed by Amangwe Village).

The CLA Achievement Award: This award was for the CLA that best demonstrated evidence of strong linkages and networking on behalf of its SHGs, had strong SHGs in its Cluster, and that had made a significant impact on its community through projects it had initiated and/or coordinated. Only CLAs that were at least one year old were considered. The winner was Thembalethu CLA in the Eastern Cape (formed by Vusisizwe).

The Community Facilitator of the Year Award: This award was for the community facilitator (CF) that best demonstrated evidence of having strong functioning SHGs and CLAs and that had made a significant impact on the groups through her facilitation, capacity-building and support. Only CFs who had at least six functioning SHGs and 1 CLA were considered. The winner was Albertinah Fihlela from Vulamehlo, based near Stanger, KZN.

The SHG Programme Staff of the Year Award: This award was for the staff person that best demonstrated evidence of having strong functioning SHGs and CLAs and made a significant impact on her groups through her facilitation, capacity-building and support. Only a staff person who had at least eight functioning SHGs and 1 CLA were considered. The winner was Maureen Makhaye from USIZO, based in Ladysmith, KZN.

The SHG Programme Implementing Partner of the Year Award: This award was for the Sinamandla implementing partner that showed significant growth, vision and quality in its SHG Programme. Only an implementing partner with at least 10 SHGs and 1 CLA were considered. The winner was once again Amangwe Village, based in Richards Bay, KZN.

The SHG programme team members of Amangwe Village, winner of the SHG Partner of the year Award for 2011 (for the second year running), include (from left to right): Jabu Mtshali (CF), Andile Myeni (CF), Thokozani Mthiyane (social worker), Gloria Mthethwa (CF), Lethiwe Myeni (staff), Zanele Ndaba (CF).

Photo courtesy of Amangwe Village:
Members of KwaThanda SHG in eFuyeni, KZN, issue loans from their group fund

- Date formed: August 2009.
- Number of members currently: 22.
- Total savings by end 2011: R4 590.
- Total loans by end 2011: R99 406.
- Loan to saving ratio: 21-1.
- Number of loans given by end 2011: 209 loans.
- Income-generating activities within the group: They make and sell grass mats and also beaded attire for the Nazareth church. They make and sell table clothes with beads and some sell airtime and sweets.