#MakingIt – Unemployment initiates small business

Unemployment is a scourge that many fear to confront head on due to uncertainty of triumph.

While clinging to the last breath desperate civilians succumb to crime, substance abuse and evil ways of earning a living.

Many community members wait on the front line yearning for a chance to cast a stone on victims when poverty attacks their neighbour’s home.

Everyday hungry youth die at the hands of merciless mob justice: “She stole a cellphone; he stole a steal bar or a copper faucet.”

A woman’s child lost a life for a derelict object that was sold to a nearby scrapyard and the proceeds were used to buy an indispensable loaf of bread.

Mr Sibubiso Mthethwa’s car wash is one of many that are run at every corner in Tembisa.

The 28-year-old said he used to hold piece meal jobs and when all failed he began to wash cars for people he knew.

He did this as a deviation from criminal activities that could have been tempting or enticing to escape his unemployment.

The former Allenridge High School learner said at the beginning he had to convince a local taxi owner to allow him to wash his cars.

“I did that job regularly. I did it for more than three years while I was trying to set up a formal car wash business on the side,” said Mr Mthethwa.

He said last year he ventured into the car wash business full time.

“I didn’t have much money to begin with. I just bought a liquid soap, shoe polish and I never struggled with customers. I continued with customers I visited at their private residence.”

He said additional customers just noticed his car wash while they drove past his place.

Mr Mthethwa has partnered with a friend to grow the business.

“The business has its ups and downs but doing the business is better that not doing anything at all,” Mr Mthethwa said.

“I am aiming to gain more supporters from car owners and open more branches in other sections. I want to create employment for other people.”

If you want to support this entrepreneur call 078 222 5950