A Cape Town-based social enterprise, Not I But We, is providing vocational empowerment to survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence through an intensive sewing training programme. The initiative guides participants from initial skills acquisition into paid internships and long-term employment, offering a pathway toward stability and economic independence.
Structure Of The Empowerment Programme
The organisation formalised its operations in 2020, moving from small-scale operations in a safe house garage to a structured vocational model. The current programme comprises a four-week intensive sewing course followed by a five-month paid internship, a process designed to bridge the gap between trauma recovery and workplace readiness.
As of May 31, 2026, the social enterprise employs nine survivors directly, with four additional trainees currently engaged in the programme. A new intake of participants is scheduled to begin in July 2026, expanding the reach of the initiative for women affected by exploitation.
Addressing The Root Causes Of Re-Exploitation
Trauma, limited educational opportunities, and South Africa’s high unemployment rate remain the primary barriers preventing survivors from maintaining stable lives. “Trauma, lack of education, and the high unemployment rate create massive barriers for survivors to find and hold stable employment, leaving survivors at risk of re-exploitation,” said Damian, a representative for the organisation. “What we learned is that survivors need stability first.”
Research from the University of Johannesburg highlights the urgency of such interventions, noting that 55.5% of trafficked South Africans are female. Victims are frequently recruited from rural areas and trafficked into urban centres like Cape Town, where they often remain trapped in cycles of abuse without access to formalised support systems. Beyond technical sewing skills, the organisation incorporates trauma-informed mental health support, such as their “Flourish Fridays” programme, to foster emotional growth alongside professional development. One survivor participating in the programme reflected on the progress made, stating, “I always wanted to know what happy feels like. And then I got to experience it, just by coming here.”
The organisation plans to assess the long-term career outcomes of their next intake of trainees following the conclusion of their internships later this year.