From the 26th to the 30th of August, Africa Unite hosted a five-day skills-sharing workshop in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, where community members came together to learn the craft of making dishwashing liquid soap. This was then followed by a five-day, 1st to 5th September, application of the skills that they learned during the training workshop. The training was facilitated by Mrs Tamanda, from Malawi, who generously shared her expertise with local participants as part of our social cohesion and human rights activities.
This workshop highlighted the power of knowledge sharing between migrants and locals, creating a platform where skills are not only transferred but also celebrated as tools for empowerment and community development.
The workshop brought together 14 participants, eight women and six men, including members of the Neighbourhood Watch and Qaphelani 43, a long-standing community safety and development partner of Africa Unite.
Over the duration of the training workshop, participants gained both theoretical and practical knowledge on soap production. They covered:
- Safety precautions and the importance of personal protective equipment.
- Measuring and soaking chemicals correctly.
- Mixing and formulating soap solutions.
- Monitoring the curing process.
- Testing, evaluating, and packaging the finished product.
- By the final day, the group had produced 40 litres of dishwashing soap.
Like any learning journey, the workshop had its challenges. Ensuring safety was critical, as incorrect handling or measuring of chemicals could spoil the product or pose health risks. Participants also faced issues with venue access, cold temperatures affecting curing, fragile equipment, and scheduling conflicts.
Despite these obstacles, the group’s resilience shone through. They adapted quickly, worked together to resolve logistical issues, and most importantly, took ownership of the learning process.
For many, this training was more than just a skill, it was described as a “lifelong inheritance.” Participants expressed excitement about turning this new knowledge into opportunities for income generation within their neighbourhoods.
Participant Feedback
Participants shared their excitement and appreciation:
“This training is a valuable skill that opens new doors for me.”
— Nomuyiselo Mbono
“I am motivated to use this skill to generate income in my community.”
— Sinazo Kwetshube
The majority had never before worked in cross-cultural teams, making this an eye-opening experience in collaboration. While only two participants had prior experience working with people from different nationalities, all appreciated the exchange and recognized it as a step toward stronger community cohesion.
Perhaps most inspiring was the fact that 11 out of 12 participants expressed plans to continue using and expanding on their soap-making skills, with many already envisioning small businesses soon.
The workshop left behind more than soap, it created a new community initiative. Participants have decided to form a group dedicated to soap production, which they plan to formalise with a name soon.
Moving forward, recommendations include:
- Providing basic business and financial management training.
- Developing branding, packaging, and marketing strategies.
- Securing operational facilities for production and storage.
- Exploring opportunities to sell in local spaza shops.
- Ensuring ongoing mentorship and monitoring to strengthen skills.
Mrs Tamanda also recommended extending future workshops to allow more time for participants to fully grasp the process and practice independently.
This workshop demonstrates how a simple skill can become a powerful tool for empowerment. For community members who dedicate their time to voluntary safety patrols and often face limited job opportunities, soap making provides not just an economic opportunity, but also a renewed sense of purpose and self-reliance.
By bridging cultures and fostering collaboration between migrants and locals, Africa Unite continues to show how skills sharing strengthens communities, promotes dignity, and builds sustainable futures.
From soap bubbles to social bonds, the Dishwashing Soap Liquid Skills Sharing Workshop proved that when knowledge is shared, everyone rises together.
