South Africa: Mantoa Mokoena

Mantoa Paulina Mokoena, an established entrepreneur from Midvaal Local Municipality, whose participation in Gender Links’ Sunrise Campaign strengthened her self‑confidence, emotional resilience, and business discipline. Through life skills, mentorship, and group support, Mantoa grew in self‑esteem, improved family relationships, gained community respect, and adopted strong financial practices such as record‑keeping, saving profits, and separating personal and business finances. She runs Phahamisetse Bokamoso Pty, a registered enterprise producing beadwork, jewellery, knitting, sewing products, food garden produce, and eggs, while also leading community‑focused initiatives such as women’s dialogues and girls’ mentoring. Despite challenges such as limited space and transport costs, she has expanded her customer base through markets and exhibitions, introduced new designs, employed part‑time workers, and increased household income, with clear plans to secure permanent premises, grow her product range, strengthen marketing, and build a sustainable, community‑empowering business.