North graduates sell in their graduation gowns
They are both graduates, now selling muffins and scones at the Soshanguve Crossing mall.
Two ladies from Soshanguve block XX, who graduated at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) took their business to the streets with their graduation gowns as motivation to their fellow unemployed graduates.
Perm Stomberg (26), a somatology graduate and her colleague Thato Mokasi (26) an interior design graduate sell muffins and scones at the Soshanguve Crossing mall.
Stomberg said they recently started and decided to be a motivation to all graduates.
“We posted our pictures on social media and many people were impressed. Some criticised us but I can assure people we did not wear these gowns to look down on other people who are also doing the same business or to show off.”
Stomberg said the negative response on social media got to them.
“Our aim was not to trend but to motivate. Positive comments kept us going and we are very thankful for that.”
Their main reason behind it all was to motivate the unemployed youth.
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“To tell them that just because you are unemployed it doesn’t mean you should do nothing,” said Stormberg.
She said they want graduates to explore their options and not only look for a job they are qualified for.
“I know there are a lot of graduates who are in the same position as us, who struggle to get employment.”
Thato Mokatsi said that baking and selling muffins and scones was not part of their plans but lockdown and Covid-19 opened their eyes.
“This is a statement to everyone out there. There are a lot of people who are sitting at home with qualifications because employment in South Africa is not available. When you see a street vendor, do not assume that the person is illiterate,” Mokatsi added.
“To every graduate sitting at home I want to say, the world does not pity anyone, you need to get up and to something that will generate an income for yourself,” said Mokatsi.
“Our biggest customers now are taxi drivers, who also suggested other business ventures and they have been giving us honest feedback,” she said.
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