GEORGE NEWS - It is a beautiful haven in the middle of a very busy area. No, I am not talking about its location on the corner of Albert Street and Merriman Street but rather all the activity that goes on inside the Sikelela Skills Development Centre.

There are people sewing flags, others doing beading and still others preparing bits and bobs for corporate gifts.

But wait, there is more! Not being content with doing what they have always done before, Sikelela is looking to the future and other markets to utilise their skills and products.

Joan Shaw, involved in marketing the work done at this branch of George Child and Family Welfare, says a team of people have been trained as housecleaners to do springcleaning for homes, both new and old. But, she adds, this is not just a team of housecleaners, but a mini-business of entrepreneurs and future trainers. When this team’s work schedule is jam-packed, another group of workers can apply to be trained and also start their own cleaning business.

Sikelela has not only branched out to incorporate this home cleaning team but have numerous artists who make creative corporate promotional and personalised gifts. Seamstresses are skilled for any medium to large sewing projects, as well as a coffee shop onsite that also caters for meetings and functions both onsite at the Cinnamon Cafe or offsite at your meeting location.

So if you are looking for reliable hands to springclean your home, delicious refreshments or an extra set of hands to help with sewing, woodwork or making art and crafts products, look no further than Sikelela Skills Development Centre.


Skilled seamstresses like Mama James and Zoleka can help with medium to large projects including cushion, apron and flag-making.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: LEEANNE PRATT