Managing their own venture
A real honcho cannot be deterred by a lack of work experience.
Lack of work experience exacerbates the prevalent and ever-increasing unemployment rate.
Many young people choose careers in industries which are saturated with people who rose through the ranks with no relevant qualification.
So Zodwa Mlangeni wouldn’t let a lack of experience shatter her dream of becoming a true honcho.
She studied business management, a qualification for a position many professionals attain through promotions and long service within an organisation.
Zodwa said she was aware that there was zero chance that established companies would entrust their managerial responsibilities to a person who came straight from college.
“But I am a person who likes to be independent. I don’t like to wait for things to come to me; I want to facilitate progress and get things done,” said Zodwa.
When she realised that she could hardly expect to find in-house training for business management, she thought of starting her own business.
Zodwa ran her ideas by her partner Karabo Mashego, who was working at the time.
“He inspires me because he is business-minded. He knows about business and I have the management skills. I figured out that we could make a good team.”
Zodwa decided to venture into a beverage, food and events company.
She sells food and beverages, does event decor and rents out tents and jumping castles.
“People need these services in their lives and that is where I fit in. They can do their daily errands and still come back home to enjoy a good meal I serve.”
“The business has challenges but I try to find solutions to each and every problem.”
She said she doesn’t regret taking entrepreneurship as a career path.
“The business is growing gradually and I want to expand it to have a number of franchises.
“I created my own management opportunity.”
Mashego resigned from his full-time employment and joined forces with Zodwa in her business venture.
“I knew I liked business and I decided to support my wife in the business. She manages the business and we save for the business to grow.”
He advised unemployed people to try entrepreneurship if they don’t find work.
People who are interested in the couples’ services can call 073 224 3040.
