For Xoliswa Duma, financial stress once felt constant. Debt did not arrive dramatically. It accumulated quietly. Small balances grew, repayments overlapped, and saving seemed unrealistic when survival required immediate attention.
In 2024, she joined the Money Fo Sho training delivered by Avo Vision and supported by Hyprop Foundation.
Over the past three years, Hyprop Foundation and Avo Vision have partnered with communities to foster dignity, behaviour change, and lasting resilience, advancing economic empowerment around their retail centres, not merely ticking Corporate Social Investment (CSI) boxes.
Before the training, the weight of financial uncertainty was overwhelming.
“Before attending the Money Fo’ Sho training, my finances were shaped by constant pressure, small but persistent debts, little room to save, and the ongoing stress of juggling repayments. I knew I needed to take control, but what I lacked was a clear, structured way forward. The training shifted my mindset and gave me the tools to rethink my financial priorities, turning uncertainty into clarity and progress.”
The shift started with strategy. Xoliswa learned to focus on small wins that built momentum.
“I moved from a reactive state to one of purposeful planning. I began focusing on paying off smaller debts first. For example, I owed R4,900 on my Payflex account and have already reduced that debt by R1,800. These early victories built the confidence and momentum I needed to tackle larger instalments.”
Savings became discipline rather than aspiration.
“I also made savings a non-negotiable part of my budget, and more importantly, I stick to that budget consistently. I now regularly check my credit score to ensure I am maintaining my financial health and reducing the risk of unmanageable debt.”
With stability came ambition.
“Regaining control of my money has allowed me to set and work toward meaningful goals. My primary focus is on increasing my independence and my potential to earn income. To date, I have saved R1,000 toward obtaining my driver’s licence and continue to save toward the purchase of a vehicle.”
Entrepreneurship followed naturally.
“I have started a small ice-cream business, which provides an additional source of income while I work toward my long-term goals. This step into entrepreneurship would not have felt possible before the training gave me the confidence to plan beyond survival.”
Ultimately, the transformation extended beyond her bank account.
“The training impacted more than just my finances. It increased my awareness of saving, investment, and broader life priorities. I am no longer just surviving financial pressure. I am planning for a stable, independent future.”
Impact We’ve Seen
- 1493 learners reached → Consistent community presence over 3 years
- 72% women → Gender equity in access to tools and decision-making
- 65% youth participation → Investment in future earners and planners
- High credit and savings uptake → Behavioural shift, not just information
- At least 19 new jobs created by programme alumni → Tangible economic ripple effects
Reflections Moving Forward
- This partnership has built a strong foundation for long-term financial resilience in communities near Hyprop malls. As the next chapter is considered, there’s now a strong case to:
- Reach deeper into tenant and retail staff ecosystems
- Reinforce learning through digital tools and repeat contact
- Continue building momentum where traction is already visible
