Forty-year-old Dumo Mabhalane of Shayamoya stands as a testament to a dream, determination and hard work.

After spending over two decades in the butchery industry, he now proudly owns Secret Steak Butchery and Grill, one of KwaDukuza’s most promising businesses.

Describing his journey as “God-planned,” Dumo still finds himself in awe when he wakes up each morning.

Born into a disadvantaged home in the Eastern Cape, he was unable to pursue tertiary education after matriculating in 2006. Instead, he took up a cleaning job at Bluff Meats in Durban.

“That is where it all began. During my lunch breaks, I would spend 30 minutes learning from the butchery staff. I wanted to understand the trade and that curiosity set me on my path,” he said.

His dedication did not go unnoticed. One day, when a colleague operating the bandsaw arrived at work intoxicated, Dumo was given a chance.

“The manager saw my hunger to learn and asked that I be taught how to use the machine, cut meat and handle a knife. That moment changed my life,” said Dumo.

Eager to grow, Dumo asked his employers to sponsor a butchery course, which they gladly did.

After completing his training, one of his lecturers recruited him to manage a struggling butchery in Pretoria. There, his fresh approach to experimenting with recipes, improving meat storage and perfecting presentations, revitalised the business and earned him contracts with key organisations.

In 2017, Dumo returned to KwaZulu-Natal, working at a Ballito butcher. That is when he met Mqungebe Ngobese from Enterprise iLembe, who played a pivotal role in his journey.

“I shared my dream of owning a butchery and he asked what I had done to make it happen. Truthfully, I’d done nothing. He helped me register a company and seek funding. Ngobese believed in my dream even when I doubted myself,” said the father of two.

Securing funding marked the beginning of a tough chapter. Setting up the butchery took longer than anticipated, leaving Mabhalane without an income. During these trying times, his wife, Doreen, collected cans for recycling to make ends meet.

“Watching her do that broke my heart. She stood by me when she could have walked away. She believed in my dream, no matter the cost. I will forever be grateful to her.”

Finally, in November last year, Secret Steak Butchery and Grill opened its doors. Today, the business employs 13 people, including some of Dumo’s former colleagues.

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