Unemployed Barberton woman makes a living with home-prepared meals
After four years of unemployment, Thando Sibiya turns her love of cooking into a thriving community business, feeding her community and inspiring hope.
After being unemployed for four years, a 35-year-old woman found an opportunity to fight poverty in her community by selling home-cooked meals.
Thando Dumsile Sibiya started cooking and selling meals to make ends meet, and before long, the community was talking about how delicious her food is. As part of her efforts to make a difference, she gives fruit to the children in her area.
Sibiya said the idea came about after realising that community members had to walk long distances to reach local restaurants. She chose to do something she enjoys – preparing meals. To ensure her food meets safety standards, she attends workshops on food safety and hygiene.
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“One of the reasons I want to work with people is that I get to see them happy.” Despite the challenges she faces in her business, Sibiya holds competitions with children on weekends to keep them entertained and raise their awareness of their surroundings.
“I have two kids, so other children often come to play in my yard. I always ask them questions that encourage positive thinking. I play the role of a parent to all the kids,” she said.
Sibiya explained that after these games, competitions are held where the children can win items such as snacks, sweets and fruit from her business. As her shop’s popularity grows, she is inspired to expand and employ young people in the area.
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“My business is my daily office. When people come home tired after a long day at work and don’t feel like cooking, they know I’m here for them. I always keep good communication with my customers to brighten their day,” said Sibiya.
