Maria Ndaba’s journey from a humble cleaner in Cosmo City, Gauteng, to a successful business owner exemplifies the transformative impact of the Social Employment Fund (SEF). Maria’s story is a testament to perseverance, SEF’s support, and the profound ripple effects of community empowerment. 

Maria began her career in her community, diligently working as a cleaner to provide for her family. Despite her dedication, financial constraints and a lack of formal education initially posed challenges to her entrepreneurial aspirations. 

In 2022, Maria’s life changed dramatically when she became involved in ASSITEJ’s Art4Youth project. This initiative, aimed at empowering individuals through training, resources, and financial assistance, became Maria’s gateway to realizing her dreams of owning a business. 

Through the SEF project, she gained intensive experience working with children and facilitating arts programmes for them. She coupled this experience with training in business management, financial planning, and customer service. Through hands-on workshops and mentorship from established entrepreneurs, she gained practical knowledge and the confidence to utilize her stipend to establish her own Day Care Centre, which was fuelled by passion for early childhood development and desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.  

Maria’s unwavering dedication and commitment propelled her day care centre’s growth to new heights. Beyond her own achievements, Maria empowers other women in her community by providing training opportunities and employment, thereby fostering local economic empowerment and advancing SEF’s ‘whole of society’ mission. 

Today, Maria Ndaba is not only a respected business owner but also a community leader. Her day care center and cleaning service are renowned for their reliability and excellence. Her expertise in childcare has even been sought after for prestigious international television productions like Shaka iLembe, underscoring her professional credibility and impact beyond her business. 

Through job creation, the provision of essential services, and her role as a mentor, Maria has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and community members alike. Ndaba’s story exemplifies how organisations and SEF can unlock entrepreneurial potential and foster resilience within communities. Her journey from cleaner to community leader not only demonstrates the tangible benefits of skill and personal development, but also underscores the broader societal impact of initiatives that prioritize a common good agenda.