Determined entrepreneur opens African arts & crafts shop at Mall@Reds
Rumbi thanks all her sponsors, guests and locals who attended her launch and promises to keep making products that the people will enjoy.
Rumbidzai Kangara launched her shop Ru’s African Arts & Crafts at Mall@Reds in Centurion this past weekend.
The Harare-born entrepreneur says that the journey to this opening was not easy but is grateful to all who have supported her to finally make it.
“It hasn’t been a short journey. It’s been years, from a door-to-door seller to a market vendor, to a kiosk in the corridor of this mall and finally a shop,” Rumbi says.
“All the people that have been supporting and praying for me, it means a lot, it feels like we’ve finally reached the level we are supposed to be at.”
Ru’s African Arts & Crafts shops specialise in authentic Afrocentric products such as placemats, hand-made garments, stoneworks, drums, instruments, accessories and plenty more.
During the opening, the red carpet was rolled out and the music turned up as family, friends and supporters dressed to the nines to celebrate the introduction of Rumbi’s shop to the prestigious shopping centre.
“People must be aware of their culture, not just hear about it through word-of-mouth but have it as an ornament. Something they can look at and always remember that this is my culture, and use it during heritage commemorations and in their personal lives,” Rumbi continues.
One particular supporter Rumbi expresses her gratitude for is Leon Louw, founder and former president of the Free Market Foundation (FMF) and CEO of Izwe Lami Freedom Foundation.
In an address, Louw states that Rumbi is “a very special South African compatriot” that has done more for the country than anyone can think of.
“When the Johannesburg council launched a violent war against destitute people trying to earn an honest peaceful living, Rumbi came to their defence. In an incredible unanimous Constitutional Court judgment, the city council was ordered to let 7 000 destitute people back into their virtuous life of service,” Louw states.
“It was, as far as I know, the first and only time a matter went directly to the Constitutional Court (not via the high court), had an urgent summary hearing (without court pleadings), and reached a unanimous decision for the poor and unemployed.
“The judgment applies throughout the country. Whenever you see informal entrepreneurs anywhere, they are there because of the efforts of Rumbi and her friends. None of the beneficiaries have any idea why they were allowed back suddenly. Rumbi is one of their unknown heroes,” Louw continues.
Louw also says that Rumbi is still in the midst of a battle against the council’s latest “anti-poor by-laws.”
According to Louw, should the council succeed, it will be followed country-wide by hostile councils on over one million “decent and harmless” people.
Louw also accuses the FMF which he started 50 years ago of treating Rumbi in a manner he can only describe as “despicable racism”.
“Rumbi has done and continues to do much more. I am privileged to know such an ethically principled and motivated person,” Louw continues.
Rumbi’s journey started when she got her first job in the then-Czechoslovakian Embassy.
She was retrenched when the Czech and Slovak Republics spilt. She started with door-to-door sales of hand-made African clothing in Dobsonville in the 1990s. She sold in hospitals, residential areas and offices.
Rumbi became a street vendor selling arts and crafts and her business skills took her further until she opened a stall at the Bruma flea market.
Through this, she became involved with black business chambers, such as ACHIB and Nafcoc.
Her next big setback was when the Johannesburg council liquidated Bruma, evicted its traders, and turned it into a China Mall.
The end of Bruma was a terrible blow to Rumbi and her family forcing her to look for new opportunities. Her ambition above the chaos of losing her business took her throughout Gauteng to seek new opportunities to build and run her business.
She was mainly based in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Centurion where, to this day, she thrusts towards her dreams. Thanks to Rumbi’s tireless drive, her new business is alive and growing
“It is hard to say whether dearest Rumbi cares more for herself than for others. She is an amazing inspirational woman. I take pleasure in wishing her new venture a spectacular success,” Louw states.
Rumbi also showed gratitude for Leon’s support, describing him as her “pillar” and being forever grateful for his efforts.
Secretary general of Nafcoc, Moipane Masaelesa who was also in attendance, says that the launch of the store is a breakthrough.
“It’s beautiful to see, we’ve seen Rumbi grow through the ranks from a small to a medium-sized business,” Masaelesa says.
“It’s such a breakthrough that we can take pride in as it shows that our members are growing. We are proud to associate with our business partners as it shows that we are creating platforms for businesses to grow.”
Rumbi thanked all her sponsors, guests and locals that attended her launch and promises to keep making products that the people will enjoy.
“I want to continue growing the business following what people like. My purpose for this shop is to make whatever products customers would like me to. Whatever direction the business is going in, I’m ready for it.”
Rumbi also had some words for other small business owners going through tough times.
“Keep focused and stay strong. Don’t let what others say or whatever challenges come to make you say, ‘Let’s leave it’. Always remain passionate and stay strong,” Rumbi concludes
