shloboe boe
Sipepisiwe Moyo, moyosipepisiwe@gmail.com
The successful Denim and Pearls event held this past weekend in Bulawayo was more than just a belated birthday celebration for musician and businesswoman, Sandra “Sandy” Ndebele — it served as a vibrant platform for women’s empowerment.
Organised by Sandy, who is not only a musician but also a councillor, pig farmer and accomplished entrepreneur, the event brought together women from diverse backgrounds to share their stories.
Earlier in the day, guests reflected on the beginnings of their ventures, the hurdles they have faced and how they have triumphed, inspiring each other with tales of success.
The event also featured a variety of educational games.
Sandy explained that the event was more than just a birthday celebration as it was also a gathering for women involved in money clubs. On the day, it was her turn to receive her share of the collective savings, so she decided to host this special event where she invited South African musicians, DJ Tira and the Qwabe Twins.
Money clubs, popularly known as stokvels, are informal saving schemes where members contribute to a central fund on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis. Typically consisting of 10 to 20 people, these clubs operate by rotating the pooled funds, empowering members and encouraging a culture of saving.
Sandy’s event was attended by club members operating at various financial levels, with contributions ranging from as little as $10 to as much as $10 000.
Sandy said, “This event was all about doing a club within a club, a form of financial empowerment for women. Instead of simply giving someone their portion of the money, we further boost them by supporting an event that they host. For example, members can buy drinks or pay entrance fees to contribute. We only allowed men into the event after 7pm, as we were focused on this initiative.” She stressed the impact of these clubs in transforming lives.
“These clubs allow us to empower each other by pooling our resources and purchasing something meaningful for each member every month. By the end of the year, we’re an empowered group — whether it’s through acquiring stands, cars, or houses, depending on the amount we’ve agreed upon per round.”
Sharing some of the challenges she has faced, Sandy, who began by participating in smaller clubs before rising to greater heights, revealed that there was a time when she was robbed of her hard-earned money by some women. But, despite the setback, she did not let it deter her and later started a small money-lending business.
“We now have Sandra’s Financial Grant, a venture born after I was robbed by some ladies,” she said.
“Through this journey, I have met amazing women who have inspired me, and I want to encourage us, as women, to always be there for one another.”
Sandy also shared her aspirations for Sandra’s Financial Grant, expressing her dream of transforming it into a fully-fledged bank in the coming years. She encouraged women to take bold steps in entrepreneurship, starting businesses with the little they have.
Now an established musician, Sandy shared her inspiring journey as an artiste, gratefully acknowledging the pivotal role award-winning businesswoman, Sipho Mazibuko played in her rise in the music industry.
“When I began in the music industry, I was young and had no one to guide me. Then, I met the amazing Sipho Mazibuko, who showed me the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for this woman, Mazibuko,” said a grateful Sandy.
She also reflected on her humble beginnings growing up in Nkulumane township in Bulawayo, where she lacked knowledge about makeup and fashion. It was Mazibuko who mentored her and taught her the essentials.
“I grew up in the township, and there were only a limited number of things a girl from the hood was exposed to. Sipho took me in, mentoring me and advising me on so many things — even personal hygiene,” Sandy said.
“She taught me about the importance of appearance, teaching me that a lady must always be presentable and clean, as it boosts confidence. I would like to thank her for the exposure she gave me. Even the outfit I wore during the shooting of the Malaika video was from her.”
Sandy credited Mazibuko, who is the chief executive officer of Strides Models and Miss Rural Africa, for opening significant doors in her career.
“I remember after an event, she encouraged me to let ministers listen to my music, and that advice helped me immensely,” she said.
Taking turns, speakers shared their stories, equipping one another with valuable financial strategies. Leading by example, Sandy, who holds a First Class Bachelor of Science Music Business, Musicology and Technology Honours Degree, revealed that she is now working toward attaining her master’s degree.
Without a doubt, Sandy’s determination has made her an inspiration to many, including her mentor, Sipho Mazibuko, who shared her own personal journey of growth during the event.
“I’m grateful to Sandra, who has been a source of inspiration to me as a daughter. She has challenged me, and I have now enrolled at a university to pursue a degree at the age of 50,” said Mazibuko.
“It’s never too late, ladies. You cannot run a business without education.”
Mazibuko also expressed her appreciation for Sandy’s loyalty and support over the years.
“Sandra showed up for me because she was grateful that I opened Zimbabwe for her. I am glad she did. Most of the girls I groomed forgot about me, but Sandra never did.
“She was there for me when I had a nervous breakdown. Heavily pregnant, she would visit me almost every day at Ingutsheni Hospital. She would sing all my favourite songs, and I would dance. That alone was therapy for me, and she contributed immensely to my healing,” shared Mazibuko.
Besides Mazibuko, Sandy also highlighted other remarkable women she has encountered on her journey.
Among them are Lwazi, a miner and Bongi, a lawyer, who have inspired and empowered her in various ways.
Also in attendance at the event were Sandy’s mother, various artistes, fashion designers, numerous businesswomen from the city and members of Sandra Ndebele’s ward in Nkulumane, where she serves as a councillor. Team Harare was also present, including influencer Lorraine Guyo, who was warmly welcomed and instantly given a new Ndebele name, Nomathemba.
