Maphumulo entrepreneur maMthembu shares her inspiring snack journey

Maphumulo entrepreneur Sbusisiwe Mthembu hardly ever misses a major soccer match in Durban.

It is not so much because she is a soccer fanatic, but rather because that’s where her business opportunities lie – as a snack vendor.

Affectionally known as maMthembu by her customers, her friendly personality makes her stand out among the other street vendors. She has become well-known and is often photographed and finds her image on social media platforms.

Mthembu initially planned to study forensic psychology in Durban, but when faced with financial challenges she had to find a way to support herself.

She began selling peanuts and sweets on a train route from Mlazi to KwaMashu in 2016.

“I turned to this because it had helped me during my high school days at Stanger Secondary. After my mother passed away in 2010, I needed an income to support myself, so there I was in school selling sweets and nuts to make a living,” she explained.

When the train services were disrupted, she moved to sport events. She now travels across the province selling snacks at soccer matches and music festivals, especially at maskandi events.

“I receive unexpected calls from soccer fans and journalists who tell me they are going to a specific event. They ask me to bring snacks and they arrange transport for me, so I end up going to events or matches, often without planning. I am very thankful to those who support me,” she said.

She does face challenges, however, such as harassment from security at some soccer stadiums because she hasn’t got a selling permit. She hopes to get a permit to sell at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the future.

“The income I earn helps support my son and grandmother in Maphumulo along with my other siblings. My ultimate dream is to get support from the peanut and sweets brands I sell,” she said.

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