In the Sanzukwi area of Mangwe District, it is rare to find young people resident in the area. Most of the have emigrated to nearby Botswana or South Africa in search of employment opportunities. Lisa Nontuthuko Ngulube is one of the few youths still resident in the area. However, she has no regrets about her decision to stay behind. She is one of the youths that benefitted from the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP).

Commenting on her experience, Ngulube said, “ I was part of youths that were trained by SIRP in Bambanani Irrigation Scheme. From the courses that were being offered , I chose the garment, cutting, design and sawing. The training was good and we sewed some skirts and work suits. After the training I chose to sew some ladies bonnets which I’m selling for R50 if I use my own material and R30 if the customer brings their own material .On monthly basis, I raise an equivalent of US$50 in profit. We are grateful to SIRP , the knowledge they impacted us has really helped us so much”.