Local mom bags R40 000 for her business
Meet the Business Services Sector winner, Libani Mgimeti.
A mother of three, who also run Norkem Park High School’s tuck shop, won herself equipment valued at R40 000 to boost her business.
Labani Mgimeti (36) entered the recent Festival of Ideas Pitching Booster competition hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni.
Mgimeti scooped the third prize in the business sector services category.
She opened her Hiteka Kitchen at Norkem Park High School in March, offering learners healthy food.
The business also offers freshly packed lunches, healthy snacks and beverages, pop up food stalls and corporate catering.
Mgimeti describes herself as a chef and self-proclaimed health food guru. She entered the competition in June with the hope of winning so she could boost her business.
This entrepreneur could barely contain her joy when her prayers were answered. Equipment she received included a gas stove.
Mgimeti demonstrated that one’s socio-economic background is never a hindrance to what one could attain in life
“The biggest drive to enter the competition were funds. I didn’t have capital for the business and I was struggling. I knew I couldn’t really take out a loan, because if you are a start-up, it’s difficult to get funds.
“When I saw my name on the winning list it was so special and I was so excited,” said Mgimeti.
To commemorate Youth Month, the City of Ekurhuleni hosted the festival for entrepreneurs to showcase innovative business ideas pitched by entrepreneurs.
Hiteka Kitchen also launched a new tuck shop at Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School earlier this month. The shops aim to promote healthy eating, because it is a lifestyle. Learners consume half of their daily calories at school, she said.
Hiteka Kitchen aims to send a message to communities that obesity affects everyone. Teaching children the importance of healthy eating habits, portion control and living a healthy lifestyle, obesity can be overcome.
