Ms Azwihangwisi Ravhura (41) of Muledani has taught herself knitting and crocheting skills to fight the scourge of unemployment. She is a shining example to other women that success comes through hard work and motivation.

"Being less educated, with no professional skills to survive, I had no other alternative but to do something to keep the fire burning. That is why I decided to teach myself the skills because there was nobody who could come to my rescue. I refused to be brutalized by hunger and unemployment because I was not born to suffer. Every one of us can make it, regardless of our financial or educational background," said the hardworking Azwihangwisi.

Azwihangwisi knits decorated cloths that can be used to table covers, sofas and beds. She also manufactures cloths for covering food. She sells her products in the streets in central Thohoyandou.

"My customers include shoppers in the Thohoyandou area and tourists who visit the town on several occasions. I am happy because I never go to bed on an empty stomach like I used to do before," she said happily.

She added that she would like to transfer her skills to the younger generation. "These young kids think that what I am doing is of lower class. They can also make some income, instead of depending on their parents for everything."