Last month, I had the privilege of attending a truly inspiring four-day empowerment workshop hosted at the AM Duma Beauty, Aesthetics and Training Bar in Orlando East, Soweto.
The event, spearheaded by Amanda Mandisa Duma, a celebrated beauty entrepreneur and community builder, brought together 35 young women aged 14 to 24 for hands-on training in nail care, makeup artistry, and professional grooming.
The initiative, funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) through their global Girls Act programme, aimed to empower girls with practical skills that could help them start their own salons and earn a living in their own community.
The training was vibrant and full of purpose. Each participant received a personal beauty training kit, and under Amanda’s expert guidance, they learned the fundamentals of nail care, manicures, and makeup artistry.
As music played softly in the background and laughter echoed through the beauty bar, the message of empowerment was clear — these girls were not just learning beauty skills; they were discovering confidence, creativity, and economic independence.
Amanda Duma, who has been recognised by News24 for her community upliftment efforts, shared heartfelt words during the closing ceremony: “We wanted to equip the students not only with beauty skills but also to make them believe in themselves — that they too can be business owners and creative professionals in the industry.”
During the workshop, I spoke to Sindisiwe Tom, the Programme Coordinator for AHF and Girls Act, who explained how this initiative ties into their broader mission. “Through Girls Act, we empower young women to stay in school, protect their health, and develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. This partnership with AM Duma Beauty is a reflection of what real empowerment looks like — giving girls the tools to transform their futures,” she told me.
Beyond the training, AHF is also committed to post-training mentorship and support, ensuring that these young women continue to receive guidance as they begin building sustainable careers in the beauty industry.
The success of this workshop stands as a shining example of what happens when community visionaries and development organisations unite for a common cause. From the passion of Amanda Mandisa Duma to the dedication of AHF through Girls Act, the message was clear — empowerment begins with opportunity.
Loxion Express congratulates AM Duma Beauty Bar, AHF, and every young woman who participated in this life-changing programme.
This partnership has not only polished nails — it has polished dreams, sparked ambition, and added a brilliant shine to the future of Soweto’s young women.