Musiiwa’s sound idea leads to a fruitful business
Musiiwa Rodney Mandiwana says his decision to start selling fruit during the first lockdown has changed his life for the better.
LIMPOPO – Musiiwa Rodney Mandiwana came across a very fruitful industry when he started Tshilimo Dried Citrus Fruit.
Selling dried fruit became an enjoyable means of survival for this 36-year-old resident from Nzhelele Dzanani. Mandiwana admitted that not many people would want to do his job, but he had to think of something to earn extra money. The idea of selling dried fruit originated during the first lockdown, when he decided to do something productive instead of giving in to the challenges and anxiety that came with the pandemic. He is also thankful to his supporting community.
“I get help from many people in my circle who believe in my dream. Phathutshedzo Cavin Managa made sure that the branding for my product was well-designed. My idea started of as a bit of a joke, but soon enough I started to receive clients who kept me busy. I have a couple of regular customers I can count on for business. I enjoy Tshilimo Dried Citrus Fruit very much and the business changed my life for the better,” said Mandiwana, whose mission was to support himself financially. “When I started Tshilimo Dried Citrus Fruit, I wanted to inspire other young, black entrepreneurs to go for it. I also sell goat biltong. The brand is growing at an exponential rate, but it was not without challenges. I need a bigger space, so that I can expand production and create employment. Funding this kind of expansion is difficult, but I always look for means to overcome any challenge,” he said.
He encourages other people to do anything that can possibly better their lives. “If you are unemployed, stand up and start doing something for yourself. Don’t wait for the government to provide you with grants and jobs if you can do something else that will put food on your table. The only way to improve our lives is to work hard. Time for sleeping is over. There is nothing impossible in this country. Our youth must also take into consideration that agriculture and farming is today’s gold. Without farmers and producers we might end up without food,” he concluded.
