Your Blocktober support fosters magic

Saartjie Baartman and Blocktober magic fosters hope  

By Bernadine Bachar, Director of the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children

The collaboration between the Saartjie Baartman Centre and Blocktober is centred on the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme (WEEP) at the Centre. Women’s economic empowerment is critical to the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Gender equality in South Africa is likewise dependent on women achieving economic empowerment. Typically, a survivor in the Centre’s shelter has not previously held formal employment or obtained a matriculation certificate so all too often she stays in the abusive relationship because her perpetrator holds the family’s purse strings.

The WEEP at the Centre includes accredited job skills training, IT skills training, job readiness training and entrepreneurial skills training. Survivors in our Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme are trained to produce products (bags, aprons and bracelets) and are paid for each product they produce which enables them to build up a nest egg whilst still living in our shelter. Survivors in our sewing hub are also gifted a new sewing machine when leaving the programme so that they are able to continue to generate an income once they have left the shelter.

The image from the beautiful mural at the Centre has been used for stylish buffs, which will go for sale shortly,as part of the women's economic empowerment programme. 

Over the past few months, the Saartjie Baartman Centre with the help of Blocktober funding has strengthened its efforts to create sustainable economic opportunities for survivor entrepreneurs. Blocktober donations are being used for the Entrepreneurship Manager position, with Ndileka Zantsi starting in August 2026 - read more here.  As this work will continue we appreciate your continued donations.

Engagements with Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency's (SEDFA) Regional Manager, Regional Marketing Manager and District Manager have opened up opportunities for business development support, including potential pop-up stalls at shopping malls, entrepreneurship training for survivor-owned businesses, and support to showcase their products at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 2027. 

A colourful product made by the women.

With assistance from Craft and Design Institute, the Centre has also received support to refine its product designs and strengthen the market appeal of its handmade products. A new range of multi-wear buffs, featuring artwork inspired by the Centre’s mural, has been developed, with outreach underway to sporting events and organisations to explore bulk orders and retail opportunities. The Centre has also registered with Wesgro to explore further market access and promotional opportunities. In addition, four Christmas market stall opportunities have been approved, creating valuable platforms for survivors to showcase their products, connect with customers and generate income during the festive season. These initiatives reflect the Centre’s continued commitment to empowering survivors through skills development, entrepreneurship and access to sustainable markets.

The efforts of Blocktober members ensure that survivors are not only exposed to the connection, upliftment and community inherent in the walks, runs, swims and rides but also that they feel seen, heard and supported. Friendships are forged and hope is fostered and that is something magical to behold. 

From all of us at the Centre to all Blocktober members: thank you, we are deeply grateful.

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