#MakingIt – Numbering for a living

With the youth being challenged by the scarcity of jobs in the country, Mr Joshua Madzibabe (36) is pursuing house numbering and tombstone printing to earn a living.

Mr Madzibabe, who is originally from Zimbabwe, said he only came to South Africa hoping to find employment to provide for his family.

This father of four said he used to work as a store assistant years back.

“It was a contract term and I was hoping my employers would renew it but that did not happen.

“I struggled to get another job. I even thought I was cursed, but I realised maybe it was time to become self-sufficient and work for myself,” said Mr Madzibabe.

Mr Madzibabe has a talent for drawing and arts and he is applying it to his business.

For his house-numbering business, he cuts a mirror into a square and applies the numbering using black paint.

“Most people put in orders and the service is much quicker and simpler. The only challenge is when customers order and do not come back to collect or pay,” he said.

He said his tombstone printing is doing well.

“I believe the reason why the tombstone printing is doing well is that people respect the dead and would do anything to please and honour the dead. I have never experienced a challenge of people not paying in this kind of business,” Mr Madzibabe said.

Mr Madzibabe is aiming to study for a welding course to be able to expand his business.

“I am currently challenged by finances but I am hoping to reach my goal sometime soon,” he added.

Mr Madzibabe is urging unemployed youngsters to pursue their own dreams to empower themselves.

#MakingIt