South Africa: Salmina Gahadza

Salmina Gahadza, an established entrepreneur from Greater Tzaneen Municipality, has experienced significant personal and economic transformation through the Sunrise Campaign. Through life skills and entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and support from Gender Links and the municipality, she gained confidence, independence, and the ability to stand up against abuse, strengthening her family relationships and respect within her community. Her business, Sally’s Sweepstar, which produces and sells brooms, mops, avocados, clay soil, and new butle buhle products, has grown steadily through door-to-door sales, an expanding customer base including schools and community members, and improved financial management practices.

Salmina now tracks income and expenses, participates in group savings, and has been able to save money, increase her household income, and improve her family’s quality of life. Despite challenges such as limited working space during bad weather, she has adapted with practical solutions and continues to plan for sustainability and growth, including expanding her product range, increasing her social media presence, and establishing her business in new areas.