Young businessman owns a spaza shop

There’s no denying that entrepreneurs tend to have several distinct qualities.

These include perseverance, entrepreneurial zeal, self-assurance, an unwavering trust in a vision and a little luck.

For Tshepo Rapudi, the founder of Tshepo’s Tuck Shop, the phrase “I can’t” simply does not exist in his vocabulary.

Rapudi credits his success to hard work and the notion that even the most difficult of situations can turn anyone into a valuable individual.

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The Esangweni resident lost his job in 2019 and launched the business in 2020 with R150, stocking 24 cases of fruit juice and making profits that he reinvested.

One of his major challenges was obtaining the finances required to launch a business in a property or expand an existing one. These difficulties pushed him to think outside the box.

“On July 25 last year, I launched my initiative. After far too many fruitless job search attempts, I made the decision to accomplish something on my own and bought a case of juice and started selling.

“Profits were made and profits were reinvested. Snacks and sweets were also sold to children.

“The driving force was my passion to improve people’s lives. I felt that I had the tools necessary to make change happen and to empower others to do so as well, and I didn’t see a reason why it shouldn’t be me.

“I’m working with my two nephews, Thabiso and Duncan. For a long time, I came up with reasons I should start my business, not allowing others to talk me out of it. Now, I do not allow my fear to overpower me.

“I developed the confidence that I could succeed as an entrepreneur. Some of the challenges I’ve had to conquer would have crippled me if it weren’t for my confidence. My success is based on my enthusiasm and self-esteem.

“I’m grateful to my community for believing in me from the beginning. The support I’ve received has been incredible,” said Rapudi.

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