Matimba receives top business award
A Nkowankowa entrepreneur, Matimba Makaringe (34), has been recognised as a trailblazing businesswoman.
Makaringe was one of 50 women honoured at the Mail and Guardian’s Power of Women event on Thursday, August 31. She is the founder and owner of Courageous Cosmetics manufacturing perfumes and honey. Through her business, she also offers opportunities to women on how to run a small business and how to manufacture perfume.
She said it was a delightful experience to be counted among the most inspiring trailblazers in South Africa. “I am honoured, inspired, and more so, grateful to have been recognised and celebrated at this year’s awards”. Makaringe started her business from nothing in her mother’s garage after she found herself broke and penniless.
Also read: Matimba nominated for Best Founder in Africa
In 2016, she sustained second-degree burns after a hot water bottle spilled on her thighs. She could not walk for months. After the incident she had a miscarriage and her boyfriend at the time left her with debt she had incurred to assist his business. All these events happened at a time when she had just resigned from a corporate sector job for which she was head-hunted.
She was left to deal with the debt alone and as a result, she suffered from depression.
However, against all odds, Makaringe claimed her life back and she started her now-celebrated business. She is also a motivational speaker and an advocate for mental health awareness and is currently in a loving and supportive relationship. The pair has a son.
