Marketplace heroes awarded at Mandeni mayoral gala dinner

Twenty-three year-old businesswoman Nokwanda Mchunu from Maphumulo encouraged the young people of Mandeni to not be afraid of starting their own businesses.

She was speaking at the Mandeni mayoral gala dinner held at Sibusisiwe Hall last Friday night. Mchunu runs a meat processing business, producing mince, bacon, sausages, wors and burger patties.

“I was working on a farm and I rejected a promotion and resigned and started my own business, because I knew what I wanted to do. I was prepared to work hard to be a businesswoman.

“Starting my business was hard but through dedication, I made it. However, I still need to work hard because I still need to grow bigger,” said Mchunu.

She encouraged other young people not to run away from the rural areas that they come from.

“As young people from rural areas, we must ensure that we do not move away from our homesteads, but we start our businesses there and work hard to ensure that the status of our areas change. As the youth we have the opportunity to be the generation that economically develops rural areas,” said Mchunu.

Mandeni acting mayor Phindile Sishi praised her for being brave enough to start a business at such a young age.

“I must admit, I was very inspired by her work and I believe, it was not only me but every young person who attended this event,” she said.

Sishi awarded local business people who were doing well and setting an example for others including: Lucas Magubane, who owns a taxi and a car towing company and is always encouraging the spirit of ubuntu; Sifiso Buthelezi who owns a driving school and volunteers his time directing traffic in Mandeni to ensure the safety of school pupils; and Khulekani Shandu from IGagasi FM.

Be the first to receive breaking news straight to your device with our WhatsApp broadcast service.

Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram