Setting the wheels in motion for change
When Amanda Mamase found herself broken-hearted and having had her business scammed, she decided to use that experience to help others.
She did this by founding the non-profit organisation Girls Potential Unlimited and hosting quarterly discussions called Motions, which mostly tackle issues that women face.
Her latest was held at Malibongwe Restaurant at the Lookout, on Saturday May 7.
Themed Impression 4 Intervening Period, it featured speakers Thando ngada, Jama Nongwe, Kudzai Mugwana, Xolisa Sibhozo and Mkhululi Manana who addressed an appreciative and engaged audience.
Ms Mamase told Vukani she grew up in East London, where she, her sister and the children of other close relatives lived under one roof with her grandmother.
Hers was a low-income family who depended on her mum who worked as a domestic worker in Cape Town to support them. Her grandmother was a pillar of strength and a great teacher to them.
“I cherish the moments with my granny... (the moments) we had together when we had nothing. She was always there for me and my other cousins. Her love and kindness has taught me to love people and try to solve their problems.
“When I see people gathered in one room like this talking and opening up about their issues, that makes me more than happy. That alone tells me we are heading somewhere in life,” she said.
“I have been through hell and back in life. But I understand the value of education and helping others.
“When I do these sessions I call the experts in their field of work to also share with the audience their experiences. But one thing people should know, no one has got it easy to be successful or up there. These are the things we share with them and try to motivate them to work even harder. I am grateful to have friends who are always willing to come and share with people,” she added.
Through her organisation, she also works with girls and people facing a range of challenges.
Mr Manana spoke highly of Ms Mamase. “She is passionate about what she is doing and also passionate about people. I think she should take this to another level. This is great for people to be heard elsewhere too. She should get a television programme or establish a podcast of her own,” he said.
He added that people need to collaborate when conducting business and programmes to empower themselves and that the time of depending on other people and the government was over.
