SewBoss Testimonials

“I am so grateful to the Sew Boss program, it helped me survive when things did not look good, I was even able to save money for school fees and supplies for the new year.”

-SewBoss from Ottery

“Thank you so much. And you've been a godsend, your wisdom and amazing leadership has seen us keep our jobs and thriving when all seemed desolate. The team, everyone, has been amazing and it's an honour to work with such a formidable team. Thank you for everything; being able to work from home meant I got to spend more time with my baby”

-SewBoss from Khayelitsha

“Please pass my sincere gratitude and thanks to the Sparrow management. Thank you so so much. You helped me put food on the table for me and my family back home - and being a sew boss gave me independence and power as a woman surviving in the society stricken by the Corona Pandemic. Thank you all. May the Lord continue to protect each and everyone of you.”

SewBoss from Kraaifontein

“With the money that I was able to make from the masks and the bags, I was able to buy some building materials and finally start to build the wall at the front of my house, I have wanted for years.”

-SewBoss from Pelican Park

Donate to this cause

Why the matching donor/investment model?
Short answer: It is a more empowering model. Contributing 50% of the investment promotes ownership and dignity for the SewBoss, thus increasing her commitment and business experience.
How does the SewBoss pay off her part
While your 50% donation subsidizes her cost, making it much more affordable and attainable, she still needs to come up with R4000 to cover her investment. This is more than most of our SewBosses are able to put up all at once. Access to finance is also a major stumbling block for many of our SewBosses. Sparrow Society works with the SewBoss to provide a payment plan whereby she has 12 months to pay off the machine at 0% interest. This allows her to get the equipment she needs to start her home-based business, while paying off her investment as she earns. She also stays accountable to the greater SewBoss network.
How do I get my Section 18A Certificate?
If you process your donation through the online form above, your Section 18A certificate that you will need for tax deduction will be automatically emailed to you. If you process your donation offline, please email proof of payment to hello (@) sparrowsociety.co.za and we will populate your certificate manually for you.
What is a tax-deductible donation?
If you are a South African taxpayer, your donations (of up to 10% of your taxable income) can be deducted from your taxable income on your annual tax return. Detailed information from SARS: "A taxpayer, that may include an individual, trust or company, making a donation in cash or of property in kind is entitled to a deduction in determining that taxpayer’s taxable income provided the donation is actually paid or transferred during the year of assessment to the section 18A-approved organisation.... ...the allowable deduction may not exceed 10% of the taxable income (excluding any retirement fund lump sum benefit, retirement fund lump sum withdrawal benefit and severance benefit) of the taxpayer as calculated before allowing any deduction for donations under section 18A or a deduction for foreign taxes under section 6quat(1C)." - Full document here - http://www.sars.gov.za/AllDocs/OpsDocs/Guides/LAPD-IT-G17%20-%20Basic%20Guide%20to%20Section%2018A%20Approval.pdf

Learn more about Sparrow Society's SewBoss Program

A Message from our Managing Director

Through our SewBoss program, we have given our seamstresses the opportunity to start their own businesses, giving them ownership and flexibility – while still providing them with ongoing skills development, business support and access to big contracts with major brands…..
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