Graduate’s blanket-washing business helps her put food on the table

Simanegele Ngema believes that being an unemployed graduate should not prevent one from pursuing other opportunities that may arise.

The 26-year-old Ndulwini Section resident described her recent blanket-washing business, which she started after struggling to find employment, as a stepping stone to establishing jobs for others in similar circumstances.

She holds a diploma in management assistant from Ekurhuleni West College and encourages young people to stand up for themselves and hustle their way to success regardless of their background.

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“Being a graduate is a good thing. It is a ladder to success; however, if one’s opportunity to graduate or gain admission to a higher institution of learning is delayed, they must not give up or relax; instead, they must come up with new ways to put bread on the table despite the obstacles,” Ngema says.

She adds owning a small business inspires her to continue being in the business industry and if she is given the opportunity to expand her services, she will use it to create jobs for those in need, as well as educate them on how to start their own businesses to help young people eradicate poverty.

“The struggle is against poverty and not against each other. I have been washing blankets for six months to put food on the table. With the large gap in the market, I am convinced that one day, I will be one of the successful female chief executives.”

Ngema hopes to inspire young people in her neighbourhood that they can do everything they set their minds to.

“I was taught independence and to stand up for what I believe in from a young age, and that is what I would like to see among young people in my community, particularly women because we cannot grow up in poverty and then become enslaved to it. We owe it to ourselves to make better life choices, not everything will be handed to us on a silver platter.”

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