Ithemba Club: 25 Years of Hope, Sisterhood and Shared Strength

As interest grew among other women in the community and within members’ workplaces, the idea evolved. On 11 August 2000, Ithemba Club was formally established. Office bearers were elected, transforming informal support into an organized circle.

Building structure, building trust

As membership expanded, so did commitment. Members agreed to contribute R500 per month, allowing for bulk grocery purchases at year-end. This eased festive-season pressures, enabled the stokvel to benefit from bulk-buying discounts, and helped prevent January food shortages, especially after back-to-school expenses.

But beyond the financial benefits, something deeper was taking shape.

“Trust was forming. Friendships were strengthening. Unity was taking root,” says Pretty.

Today, the Club communicates via WhatsApp when necessary and meets formally on the first weekend of every month. Members submit deposit slips to the Treasurer, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Meetings extend beyond finances. Guest speakers are invited, knowledge is shared, and women are empowered through learning and dialogue.

One unspoken rule guides the group: if a contribution is missed, the member takes responsibility for making up the shortfall.

“It’s about personal discipline balanced with understanding, because we all face unexpected challenges that affect our cash flow, but we must also take accountability,” explains Pretty.

When the flame burned bright

A significant turning point came when members introduced baking and craft activities to generate additional income. The proceeds were saved in an emergency fund.

That fund soon became a lifeline during family crises.

“Those were our wow moments,” says Pretty. “When we could step in and support each other when it mattered most, using our different skills to grow our club and raise funds.”

In those moments, members realized that Ithemba Club had become more than a grocery savings group. It had become growth and sisterhood in action.

Weathering the storm

Like many stokvels and community clubs, Ithemba Club faced hardship during the COVID period. Some members lost their jobs, while others relocated after being unable to afford living in the area. Contributions became strained, and uncertainty grew.

Yet the circle held.

Members introduced an “each one brings” drive to sustain the club during difficult months. Adaptability and shared responsibility carried them forward.

They learned that resilience grows stronger within a community.

More than money

Over 25 years, Ithemba Club has evolved into far more than a savings group.

Members stand together during times of bereavement, visiting families and offering support on funeral days. Funds from their emergency kitty help ease financial burdens during these moments.

They attend workshops and stokvel events, expanding their knowledge and strengthening their operations. While the club has grown financially, its greatest growth has been personal.

Looking back

The journey has not been without challenges and setbacks. But it has also brought growth, confidence, new friendships, and new ideas.

Their greatest lesson? “Everyone needs someone. Life becomes easier when a woman walks the rough and narrow path alongside others who uplift, support, and teach one another,” adds Pretty.

Ithemba means hope.

For 25 years, this club has embodied that meaning, proof that when women walk together, even the most difficult roads become lighter, and solutions emerge in times of hardship.

Embers of Wisdom

• Community often begins before it is formally named.
• Structure protects trust.
• Shared discipline creates shared dignity.
• An emergency fund is compassionately organized.
• Hard seasons do not break a united circle, they strengthen it.
• A club is not only about contributions; it is about belonging.