Thembeni entrepreneur shares inspiring journey of resilience
Zamani Mthethwa now employs 19 people at the Emoyeni Car Wash-Restaurant-Pub and his business has become a popular local hub.
A Thembeni entrepreneur has not allowed his disability to define him, and despite being bound to a wheelchair he runs a successful carwash and shisanyama.
Life gave Zamani Mthethwa the proverbial bag of lemons when his mobility was taken from him in a car accident in 2012.
Before that Mthethwa, now 39, worked as a chemical engineer at various Mandeni companies.
The accident changed his life dramatically, and he vividly recalls the doctor’s words: “You will never be able to walk again.”
He wondered about the possibility of fathering children and was relieved to be given a sliver of hope.
During his rehabilitation, Mthethwa decided to shed self-pity and embraced the belief that countless opportunities awaited him.
The wheelchair would not hinder his determination to thrive and he recognised that success required effort.
In 2017, after noting that Thembeni was lacking a venue for residents to socialise, he made the dive into starting his own business.
Almost six years later, he employs 19 people at the Emoyeni Car Wash-Restaurant-Pub and his business has become a popular local hub.
Beyond its role as a gathering spot, the shisanyama has also created a stage for local musicians.
But Mthethwa’s optimism does not obscure the reality of the challenges disabled individuals face.
While he’s an entrepreneur open to growth opportunities, inaccessible venues often prevent his participation in meetings and workshops.
He underscores the necessity of addressing these shortcomings.
The father to a 13-year-old daughter encouraged fellow disabled individuals to embrace their capabilities and not retreat into obscurity.
“Dust yourself off and seize the opportunities available. If you are physically disabled, that does not mean you cannot think. Use what you can to make a living.”
#ShareASmile with persons with disabilities
The theme of Casual Day 2023 is #ShareASmile with persons with disabilities.
The day, officially on September 1, serves as the annual fundraising campaign of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
“The theme aims to promote kindness, goodwill, and positivity in support of persons with disabilities in South Africa,” says NCPD national director Therina Wentzel.
In support of Casual Day, individuals and organisations are encouraged to purchase Casual Day stickers (R20 each) and specially branded merchandise before September 1, and to wear them with pride on the day.
Visit www.casualday.co.za to find out where purchases can be made, or to order personalised stickers.
Casual Day has raised over R404-million since 1995 thanks to public support of the campaigns.
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