What began as shared savvy shopping tips among friends has blossomed into a nationwide financial empowerment network. This effort is enabling women across South Africa and Nigeria to save significantly, launch their own ventures, and cultivate financially resilient futures.
The start of a community
Driven by a desire to help African women navigate economic pressures, former journalist and communications professional Ncumisa Ndelu launched 1 Family, 1 Stockpile in 2016. Her initial concept was simple: to share effective shopping hacks, budgeting strategies, and the benefits of strategic stockpiling.
The group rapidly became a trusted “sisterhood,” fostering financial literacy and providing robust community support. Today, it stands as a vital platform where women exchange savings techniques, share valuable deals and discounts, celebrate their financial achievements, and encourage each other towards better money management – all grounded in empowerment, education, and shared experiences.
A game-changer in her journey
A significant turning point in Ncumisa’s journey was discovering Temu, a global e-commerce platform that unlocked unprecedented savings for her household. Ironically, her introduction to the app began with a cautionary post about international deliveries. Intrigued, she decided to try it herself, ordering security lights following a home break-in.
“Once I received my first delivery, I was hooked,” she recalls. “I placed my second order less than two weeks later.”
From everyday household essentials to art supplies, school materials, and beauty products, this direct-from-factory marketplace became her key to unlocking savings. One purchase alone yielded savings of over R5,000, propelling her towards a research-driven approach to online shopping.
According to a recent survey, 46% of South African respondents report saving more than half of their shopping budget by using Temu, with nearly 40% making purchases on the platform at least once a month.
Stretching Rands, growing futures
Ncumisa has turned everyday budgeting into a powerful tool for growth, both at home and in her community. By making smarter, more affordable purchases, she’s been able to invest in her children’s education, fuel their creative passions with art supplies, and support her long-standing mission to feed the homeless. Crucially, this approach has fostered financial literacy in her children, evolving from simple piggy banks to daily lessons in budgeting, comparative shopping, and mindful spending.
This spirit of empowerment extends into her online community. Starting with just 50 members, it has surged into a nationwide network of over 800,000 women who share practical savings advice, celebrate milestones like paying off debt or buying a first home, and offering each other unwavering support. “The group thrives on trust,” Ncumisa explains. “When we share what’s helped us, it empowers someone else to thrive.”
Ncumisa shares her top 5 budgeting tips:
From budget tips to national recognition
Ncumisa’s journey from sharing simple saving tips to being recognised as Daily Maverick’s 2023 Businessperson of the Year is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership. Her remarkable ability to connect personal financial choices with broader community upliftment has ignited a powerful wave of economic empowerment, particularly among women.
This growing community has empowered thousands of women to take control of their finances, helping them become more secure, break free from debt, and feel confident in managing their money day-to-day. This is about more than just saving a few rands; it’s about building a future where women don’t just survive, they thrive.
Ncumisa is leading that charge, using her own experience to show what’s possible with determination and the right tools. Through her example, she’s not only creating lasting wealth for her family but also passing down essential financial skills to the next generation – proving that true empowerment begins at home.