Documentary launched about Themisa’s entrepreneur
The documentary begins with Malungane reflecting on his experience of having nothing and going to bed with an empty stomach.
A new documentary was launched chronicling the entrepreneurial journey of Jabu Malungane, the founder of Jabu Atchar in Thembisa.
The current unemployment rate in SA sits at 32.9%. However, some analysts believe this figure is significantly lower than the official figures suggest, given that this statistic does not accurately reflect what is happening in the robust and resilient informal sector.
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the potential of township economies.
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In the bustling townships, resourceful entrepreneurs are writing a new economic narrative.
Township entrepreneurs are more than business owners because they are vital contributors to local development and employment.
There remain many challenges SMEs continue to face.
They include difficulty accessing funding, poor infrastructure, limited market access, rising crime and a complex regulatory environment.
These are hurdles Malungane has and continues to experience.
Yet despite these challenges, township entrepreneurs like Malungane are known for their resilience and innovation.
They often adapt their business models to fit the constraints of their environment.
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This is why, as part of their broader mission to support and inspire entrepreneurs and SMEs in SA, iKhokha has partnered with Malungane to tell his story of tenacity, resilience and persistence.
The documentary begins with Malungane reflecting on his experience of having nothing and going to bed with an empty stomach.
It illustrates how he achieved success and his desire to establish a business legacy in Jabu Atchar.
Reflecting, Malungane said he doesn’t regret anything and sees his business as a journey of discovery.
“I never lost a cent. I paid school fees at the university of life. Failure is the biggest educator,” he said.
Jabu Atchar has grown from being sold outside shopping malls to include retail customers in Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho, with Malungane selling locally through certain Pick ‘n Pay and SPAR outlets and in fruit and vegetable markets such as Evergreens in Pretoria.
While these retail partners make up 40% of his business, the remaining 60% comes from spaza shops and shisanyamas in communities, which constitute his largest customer base.
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His advice to others wanting to start their own business is clear: find something you love and build a business around it.
He said too many entrepreneurs start a business with money as the primary motivator and are more likely to give up if they are not passionate about it.
“Something you love will move you and your business.”
Ramsay Daly, the co-founder of iKhokha and executive producer of the Jabu Atchar film, believes bringing these stories to light will uplift the SME sector, a mission iKhokha has pursued from day one.
“The SME landscape in SA holds incredible depth and diversity and is filled with stories of perseverance and triumph against the odds.
“By providing a platform to share these stories, we aim to further stimulate businesses like Jabu Atchar and unlock new growth opportunities,” he explained.
iKhokha’s partnership with Malungane will provide business support and use his success and learnings to mentor other small businesses countrywide.
Residents can watch Jabu Atchar: A Film About Legacy on YouTube.
