#MakingIt – Making a living from pap
Ms Makwakwa worked as a domestic worker for quite some time before she could think of being self-employed.
Ms River Makwakwa (55) is a soft-spoken but a determined businesswoman.
She picked a corner near the main road of Matshene Section in Ivory Park, Extension 2, where she is running her kitchen business.
Specialising in African dishes, her clients mostly come from Tembisa.
Ms Makwakwa said local taxi drivers and mechanics enjoy her pap and prefer to eat it the African way, with their hands.
“Only a few of them request cutlery,” she said.
Ms Makwakwa worked as a domestic worker for quite some time before she could think of being self-employed.
“My challenge as a domestic worker was that I couldn’t support my children enough with the money I earned.
“Getting a decent job was never easy as they wanted people with qualifications and experience. So, I started by selling veggies and snacks, among other small items.
“While working as a street vendor, I had the idea to cook and sell pap for those who are hungry. I managed to save enough money to buy cooking materials,” said Ms Makwakwa.
She said she is aiming to run a restaurant, but only if she gets enough space for storing, cooking and serving her customers.
What makes her pap special, Ms Makwakwa said, is that she cooks the same pap and same recipe she was taught by her elders when she was growing up.
“Other people in the same business pack pap in plastic packages and sell it later. I cook pap continuously and leave it on a low heat, thus serving fresh pap,” she said.
Ms Makwakwa serves pap with chicken or beef.
Her day starts at 6am and continues until midday.
“It takes effort to prepare for the meal. I buy fresh meat every day for the customers,” said Ms Makwakwa.
She is encouraging young people to never lose hope and to consider their talents to make a living.
