Diepsloot residents run roaring street businesses
DIEPSLOOT - Who said a lack of capital was a major handicap in starting a business?
This philosophy does not apply to Livhuwani Sithita, a Diepsloot entrepreneur. Armed with only R300 in her purse, Sithita started an informal trading business in 2011 which today is earning her a daily income of R300.
The mother of three revealed to Fourways Review that she started selling farm vegetables in the streets of the township. “I now sell different products, as you can see, from small hardware items, fruits, airtime and drinks to food,” said Sithita.
She operates from a new taxi rank facility which is close to the new Diepsloot Police Station. She said the developer of the taxi rank built a marketplace with enclosed kiosks, one of which she occupies.
She added that her life had improved since she started her business. “We do not pay rent here and I can put bread on the table for my children and pay their school fees,” said Sithita.
There are many other Diepsloot women also doing a roaring trade selling grocery items. Sihle Sigau, who also trades in the same facilities said, “Just sitting at home will not solve anything, so by running this shop I am assured of at least R100 a day.” She sells fruit, airtime and newspapers.
Along the same street, which seems to be turning into a business centre, young Bibiano Siziba runs a barber shop. He charges R10 for a shave and goes home with no less than R50 a day. Siziba is a matric dropout who realised the toughness of the job market and decided to create employment for himself. A green tent, a car battery, a shaver and two plastic chairs are all that he needs to eke out a living.
“This is what sustains me, it is better than sitting at home,” said Siziba.
