#MakingIt – Local lass weaves through life’s challenges
Dedicated young entrepreneurs, such as Ms Sfiso Sangweni, said she waits for nobody and believes in her powers and strategies to reach greater heights.
As we draw closer to the local government elections, the poor are going to be inundated with infinite promises.
Politicians always talk about supporting small businesses, but when it comes down to policy, they are often slow to act. People’s livelihoods are therefore affected.
Dedicated young entrepreneurs, such as Ms Sfiso Sangweni, said she waits for nobody and believes in her powers and strategies to reach greater heights.
The Rabie Ridge-based, Ms Sangweni (25) is weaving and selling beads for a living.
She established her small business in 2012 after she matriculated and realised she had no money to further her studies.
Ms Sangweni, a self-taught bead weaver, said she is dressing communities during cultural events, weddings and graduations with her weaving bead designs.
“I started weaving for young people – I did it just for fun. So, when I struggled to find a job, I then realised I had a skill that could help me make a living,” said Ms Sangweni.
She is a member of the Amatshitshi Empela group. She said her customer’s orders hail from as far as Kwa-Zulu Natal and throughout Gauteng.
When asked where she wants to see herself in five years, Ms Sangweni said she wants to expand her small business to include sewing fashion designs.
“I am pushing business and I am also going to a school for sewing. I hope to grow and eventually run a known and well-established company,” said Ms Sangweni.
She encouraged young people to use their talents to earn a living.
“A positive mind brings positive results,” Ms Sangweni said.
