Strong Cape-based woman repairing lives by turning skills into opportunity
8 March International Women's Day
Strong Cape-based woman repairing lives by turning skills into opportunity
Image supplied by the publicist
Shihaam Benjamin, 46 years old from Bonteheuwel, has found purpose through Taking Care of Business (TCB’s) Repair programme. TCB’s Repair programme trains people to fix broken appliances, donated by large retailers, and how to build a business selling them. Shihaam joined in 2023, since then she has overcome addiction and built up her small business so that she is able to provide for her family.
Repairing appliances always came naturally – now it’s a business
Shihaam had heard about TCB from a friend who was in the programme.
“I didn’t know what it was about at first,”
she says.
TCB’s Repair is a two-year enterprise development training programme that supports people with practical business, financial and life skills training. Participants undergo mentoring and coaching and they have access to a counsellor to help them deal with their personal traumas. They also get access to affordable stock that they can use to fuel their small businesses, this is stock that would have been e-waste but through the programme becomes part of the circular economy.
Shihaam says,
“I don’t talk much, but joining the programme helped me find another part of myself. I was always the one to fix things at home – phones, appliances – and when I found out there was a business side to repair, I was really interested.”
“My household is large,”
says Shihaam.
“15 people in total, including my husband, my father, my five children, and my brother and his children too. We are very close; everyone helps each other out. Things are expensive and it’s a real struggle to provide for everyone, but I do my best and TCB has been a huge help in managing that. Before joining TCB, I was struggling with addiction and was unable to provide adequately for my family. Today, I am stronger and more stable, thanks to the support and guidance I found here,”
she says.
Building a business with a clear strategy
“Now, I’m not just fixing things, I’m building a business. I have customers who buy from me in bulk, some have their own businesses, so they buy from me to resell. I also buy irreparable items, and profit from the scrap. It’s been a great way to expand my business and create additional income streams,”
she says.
Overcoming addiction and finding strength through support
After using drugs for 20 years, Shihaam has been clean for two years now.
“My journey to sobriety wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to build a better life for my children and myself. I am the sole provider for our family. My husband and I had our problems and I was on the verge of asking for a divorce. One day after a particularly traumatic incident, I ended up at TCB, crying. The people here listened to me and helped me open up. It was the first time I spoke about my situation openly, and everyone here supported me. They gave me the space to express my struggles and find solutions. It was such a relief to not feel alone in my journey,”
says Shihaam.
Learning and healing through self-discovery and a community of support
Dealing with personal challenges and past trauma is one of crucial aspects of TCB’s programme. Showing participants that they are not alone with their problems and challenges.
Shihaam says,
“At TCB, I found a space where I could express myself and be heard. The support system here is incredible, and it’s helped me gain confidence and a voice. I now know how to handle setbacks without letting them take me back to using drugs again. I’ve learned to speak openly about my past and my struggles without fear of judgment. I have learnt the importance of self-care and setting goals. It’s about finding out what I want from life and not being afraid of working hard to get it. They helped me understand that nothing is impossible if I keep moving forward. I’ve learned about myself personally – how to manage my emotions, my stress, and my problems."
Empowering my children
Shihaam is teaching her children what she has learnt.
“I recently bought my son a hair-cutting machine, and he’s started his own business. I talk to my children about what I’ve learned in business classes about buying, selling, and managing money. Hopefully, I am creating opportunities for them as well. It’s been empowering to see my family grow with me, learning new skills and becoming more self-reliant,”
she says.
Dreaming of a better future
“For the first time, I’m allowing myself to dream. TCB has helped me set goals, even small ones, and I’m taking one step at a time toward a brighter future. I’m finally taking the time to consider what I want out of life, and I’m slowly learning that I deserve a happy, fulfilling future,”
says Shihaam.
