Etwatwa carwash owner aims to reduce unemployment
He said it takes a village to raise a child, and with the community’s support these youngsters can become better individuals
Small business owner Thabo Mahlasela is keeping the youth off the streets by employing them at his carwash.
Thabo’s Carwash was founded in 2013 in Etwatwa West when Mahlasela couldn’t find a job after completing matric.
The car wash employs five people.
The 27-year-old said his life was challenging after matric as he couldn’t afford to further his studies.
“I was unemployed for a very long time. I had to come up with an idea and help my parents with finances and assist with paying my siblings’ school fees,” said Mahlasela. The carwash has opened opportunities to other unemployed youngsters in my community.”
Mahlasela has had his ups and downs in life, but one thing that has always kept him going is his positive attitude towards life and knowing he was helping others to put food on the table.
The Etwatwa resident is a concierge driver for a marketing company in Randburg. He was given this opportunity after washing cars at the company for two years.
He said by employing these youngsters.
“I want to improve their lives and make sure they at least have something to eat at the end of the day, as some of them are orphans. One of them is in high school. He pays his rent and is able to buy food. That is what makes me sleep at night, knowing he has shelter and food and is able to go to school,” said Mahlasela.
“The carwash also keeps them busy. I believe it has saved some of them from getting into trouble with the law and the community.”
He added it takes a village to raise a child, and with the community’s support these youngsters can become better individuals. He has now started a security company, Bakwena VIP Protection Services, and has employed two people.
Mahlasela is urging any business owners or community members who are willing to assist to donate carwash equipment, food or vouchers that he can donate to families who are in need in his community.
“This pandemic has hit everyone hard. Some families are suffering because breadwinners have lost their jobs,” he said.
Anyone who would like to assist may contact Penelope Masilela at the City Times on penelopem@caxton.co.za
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