#MakingIt – Young Tembisa cooker aims high
With the achar business, Mr Mokoeana said he wants to see it growing bigger and being a major supplier in the business markets.
Born into a family of enthusiastic foodies, Mr Kamohelo Mokoena has always loved all things culinary, especially the local cuisine in Tembisa.
Local street vendor Mr Mokoena (25), offers the residents hand made, scrumptious achar that you will definitely want more of.
He told The Tembisan that he hopes to operate a huge restaurant where he will show off his cooking skills and serve people African food.
“I am troubled by a lack of funds to start operating a huge business, but I am hoping that my small business will one day take me to greener pastures,” he said.
Mr Mokoena matriculated in 2008 from Tembisa High School and couldn’t proceed with his studies because of financial strains. After his matric, he worked at several companies as a waiter and bar tender.
He said he stayed at home for a year after his last employment contract expired.
“A gap year gave me an opportunity to think positively about business. I then asked my brother, who is also in the food business, to help fund my small achar business. He did and all these types of things started falling into place when I offered people my product,” Mr Mokoena added.
With the achar business, Mr Mokoeana said he wants to see it growing bigger and being a major supplier in the business markets.
“I always loved business and I started selling at a young age at my primary school,” he said.
Led by his love for people, Mr Mokoena said he wants to create job opportunities for the locals by opening various stalls and hiring people to grow his achar business.
When asked what his challenges were, Mr Mokoena said people like credit and yet do not want to place orders on time.
“When you refuse them credit, they tell you ridiculous of things, as if one is not running a business. Some customers come with not enough money and say they will pay later. Such people take advantage of street vendors because when they go shopping at big stores, they pay in full for whatever food or item that they buy,” explained Mr Mokoena.
Mr Mokoena is based at the corner of Chickalong Restaurant in Tsenelong section (Straight Line).
He is advising young people to not give up on life regardless of family backgrounds or circumstances.
“Youngsters should stop pleasing their friends by risking their futures by getting involved in crime, drugs, alcohol or engaging in early romantic affairs. Put yourself first and think positively and seek advise when you are troubled in life,” he said.
