#MakingIt – Couple ventures into take-away business
Mr Furumela ( 28) who is carrying a 4 year degree in Internal Auditing, said he is controlling his destiny in order to provide a comfortable lifestyle to his family.
“We started a business together looking for greater control over the direction of our lives.”
Both have the business’ best interests at heart and they share a passion for it.
Young entrepreneur Mr Ntsako ‘Chris’ Furumela ventured into business with his wife Mrs Nomfundo Mailane.
The Winnie Mandela-based couple, established their business from selling food hampers in 2014.
They have since opened a restaurant, operating in a container, from where they sell ready-made meals such as kotas and ribs.
The duo extended their small business and are now also selling electricity for the convenience of their customers and local residents.
Mr Furumela (28), who holds a degree in internal auditing, said he is controlling his destiny in order to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his family.
“As a striving entrepreneur, holding a degree that does not bring you work means nothing. Not getting a job or internship in my field of studies did not stop me from achieving in business. I have always sold small items such as SIM cards for a living. I pushed hard to gain such control and keep in touch with my passion in business,” said Mr Furumela.
His wife, Mrs Mailane, said her father always encouraged her to believe in empowering oneself and not rely on others. He advised his daughter to strive to own her own business.
“I always enjoyed selling items. I sold sweets when I was in primary and secondary schools. After I finished my schooling, I then sold handbags and jewellery in my spare time,” said Mrs Mailane, a mother to an eight-year-old girl and a four-year-old girl.
She said she loves cooking.
“I am very active in cooking and I know numerous recipes. Initially, I had the idea of doing catering but due to a lack of materials, I continued with another plan and decided to run several franchises around Tembisa,” said Mrs Mailane.
The couple created two jobs from their takeaway business.
They are both working in different companies and only get a chance to cater for their customers over the weekend.
Their two employees run the business on weekdays.
“Our business was running for three weeks only and already customers were coming in big numbers for our services. The business is doing well. People complained about our prices but when it comes to the quality of food they are happy,” Mrs Mailane said.
When asked what message can they give to the youth, the couple said, “Never limit yourself: try by all means to use whatever skill you have to make a living from it, and never stop praying.”
