Name of CLA: Masisizane Group (meaning Good Day)
Date of Launch: 31 August 2007
Number of members: 90

On 31 August 2007 we meet with 16 representatives from 8 Self Help Groups in Swayimane (an area we are working with) to launch a CLA (Cluster Level Assosication). The members present were very excited and participated fully. We started with general introductions from all those present. Within these introductions some members were expressing great desire to be part of the joint work with the other members. This was amazing as Swayimane is a vast area and the 8 Self Help Groups from which the members were drawn are scattered in the area with minimal social connections among them.

The main aim of the meeting was to introduce the members to the CLA concept and each other. The meeting was also a forum for the members to collectively, through participatory methods set preliminary functional guides of the group. There was a sense of freedom among the members; they fully participated in the discussions. They voiced and stood for their opinions while at the same time demonstrating willingness and commitment to what the majority of the group agreed on.

One of the SHGs (Self Help Groups) in Swayimane had volunteered to present a Sketch during the launch.

This group is diverse in its makeup; it has elderly and young woman, girls and a young man. Of all its members, a young girl is one of their representatives at CLA level. The group role played the whole SHG concept using their local social circumstances of an abused wife showing how she emancipates:

• Socially – by connecting with fellow woman who are willing to listen to her story, advise her to get help from the police and emotionally support her through friendships.
• Economically - by sharing with her on how she could become financially independent from her abuser through SHG activities which would enable her financial base to grow through entrepreneurship.

The woman at the end of the play was presented as one who is in control of her life and able to chase her abusive husband from home and raise and educate her children.

We closed the day with a sense of fulfillment expressed by everyone present.

Sizani Ngcamo, a member of the CLA, with her beads.