Meet Thuli Ngulangula: Thembisa entrepreneur shaping her community

My name is Thuli Ngulangula, and at 29 years old, I’m proud to say I was born and bred in Thembisa.

I took my first breath at Tembisa Hospital, and from my earliest school days right through to high school, this township has been the backdrop of my entire life.

Its energy, spirit, and sense of community have shaped me into the woman I am today.

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What I love most about Thembisa is its unity; it truly feels like one big family.

Here, people look out for one another.

If someone is in danger, you only need to blow a whistle, and the community will respond.

That kind of togetherness is rare, and it’s something I deeply treasure. Even with challenges like crime and unemployment, Thembisa’s people remain strong, compassionate, and fiercely supportive.

When I need to recharge, I start my mornings at Dynamic Gym for a solid workout before grabbing freshly baked scones from my friend’s bakery, a small local gem that always feels like home.

Sundays are for unwinding at Park 1632, a lively space filled with music, laughter, and the warmth of community spirit.

A life-changing moment for me came when I started my own business, creating and selling hair accessories like bonnets and scrunchies.

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Finding employment was difficult after completing my diploma in policy.

Instead of giving up, I chose to create my own path, and Thembisa supported me wholeheartedly.

Seeing my products embraced by high school learners and young women across the township was a turning point that filled me with pride and purpose.

Unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing our community, especially for the youth. So many talented young people are eager to work but lack opportunities.

I believe in the power of local initiatives, business incubators, mentorship programmes, skills development workshops, and job fairs that can give young people hope and direction.

Strengthening crime prevention and community safety structures, like neighbourhood watches and youth-focused projects, would also make a meaningful difference.

If I could bring one positive change to Thembisa, it would be to create opportunities, not just jobs, but spaces that offer skills, empowerment, and hope for the next generation.

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The entrepreneurs of Thembisa who rise above challenges to build something meaningful inspire me. Their resilience reminds me that progress begins with a single step.

My own dream is to one day become a policewoman, combining my background in policy with my passion for justice to serve and protect my community.

A piece of advice that has stayed with me came from my friend Fumani, who once told me: “The less lies you tell, the simpler your life will be.”

It reminds me to live truthfully and authentically, no matter what life brings.

To me, home is where the heart is, and Thembisa is my heart. It’s where I was born, where my family lives, and where I feel most myself.

Yes, it has challenges, but it’s also full of strength, joy, resilience, and love.

If I had to describe Thembisa in three words, they would be: vibrant, fun, and lively.