#ThisIsUs: Township entrepreneurs embark on their journies after receiving container donation
As part of iTel's My Story campaign, which celebrated Heritage Month by allowing ordinary South Africans to tell their stories of triumph, part of the response was providing opportunities of empowerment through entrepreneurship.
Global mobile brand iTel South Africa has provided traders in Thembisa the start they need to reach their goals as independent business owners, thanks to a container donation.
As part of iTel’s My Story campaign, which celebrated Heritage Month by allowing ordinary South Africans to tell their stories of triumph, part of the response was providing opportunities of empowerment through entrepreneurship.
“We believe for the country to reduce its record unemployment rate of 34.4%, small business owners need to be afforded support through the provision of proper infrastructure and skills,” said Zikona Captain, PR manager of iTel.
The containers give entrepreneurs a solid and visible base of operations for their businesses, with each customised to the needs of the specific trade. Each is fully equipped with electricity, a steady water supply and plumbing.
ALSO READ: #IMadeMyMark: What you need to know about Election Day
Lucas Molepo (29) recently became a proud owner of one of 10 repurposed shipping containers.
Molepo recalls hearing the term entrepreneurship for the first time. The desire to create and expand his own business never left the Thembisa native. While he may not have realised it at the time, it would help him to overcome the hurdles he would face and, in the end, fulfil his destiny as an entrepreneur.
“I was in Grade Two and I never forgot what it meant because even back then, I just felt like it defined me.”
Today, Molepo runs a sneaker cleaning and repair business in Thembisa. His operation also extends to handbags, leather belts and other accessories. He is becoming a popular face in the township, since his service offerings also include home deliveries.
Like thousands of young South Africans, he has struggled to find employment in his field of study.
“I am an accounting graduate, but I had been job-hunting without a breakthrough. Circumstances led me to run my own business, although it was something I had always aspired to do from a young age.
“There are numerous challenges in entrepreneurship, particularly in recent years with Covid-19, such as not being able to function in inclement weather and not being able to generate money when you become sick. Another issue is branding, as well as a lack of a clear marketing strategy and insufficient resources.”
Molepo’s biggest struggle was not having a permanent structure.
“The container has been awesome. The weather hasn’t been favourable lately, but we have been able to work. Also, I am now able to think of other ideas and things that can help grow the business. I am grateful for the structure. This is by far the biggest blessing this year.”
Molepo draws inspiration from the late Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, and basketball legend Michael Jordan for their creativity, hard work and tenacity, something he calls their ‘champion mentality’.
It is something he aims to bring to his business, instilling this ethos in his employees.
“As young people, we need to monetise our skills and talents so that we depend less on external factors,” concluded Molepe.
Another container recipient, Reneilwe Cynthia Moabelo, a 39-year-old mother of three from Ivory Park, had only recently begun selling groceries to the local community, so the contribution couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I decided to be a business owner because I can set my own deadlines. I love that I can pursue my passion and create something from scratch,” she said.
Moabelo’s journey has not been without challenges.“Lack of funding is a challenge, which can be a major setback to your business, and so is attracting customers. I’m starting from scratch,” said Moabelo.
Her new container will remove some of the stress as she makes her way into the township economy. Not only will it give her a base from which to work and store her goods, but it will also ensure her business has a chance at success.
“I feel like people can now come to my store and see my passion. I’ll make sure I put more effort into my work. My progress has shown that you can always pursue your dreams, which is important for younger South Africans to understand,” she said.
A third beneficiary, Esther Tshabalala (51), a single mother of four, has relied heavily on her two sons to buy her food but is now preparing to stand on her own two feet through her new container business.
“I was a businesswoman before, and now I have the opportunity to pursue my passion once again. I love the fact that I will not be owing anyone and I will be on my own,” she said.
Captain believes the containers can help entrepreneurs to start businesses that will empower them, their families and communities.
“The establishment of these businesses will allow the rand to recirculate in the township. We believe that in a society with high unemployment, it is vital that entrepreneurship is allowed to flourish. We are thrilled to be able to assist in fostering this culture, either through investments, such as these or democratising technology by making it accessible to all through our affordable devices,” said Captain.
Also follow us on:
