Mapenzi’s realises his dreams in Secunda

SECUNDA – The passion to succeed and open his very own barbershop in Secunda, the place he now calls home, drove Mr Mapenzi Bora to his dream being fulfilled recently.

After leaving his birth country, Democratic Republic of Congo about 6 years ago, Mr Bora has not looked back once.

“There are no business opportunities in the DRC and I cannot survive there,” said Mr Bora.

His arrival in South Africa first led him to Pretoria, but he could never go back as Secunda has been his home ever since he set foot in the area.

Mr Bora is known as ‘Shorty’ by most of his clients, simply because of his minuscule structure.

He is 32-years-old and recently welcomed his first child together with his girlfriend of 2 years.

Mr Bora’s mum and dad died this year at 71 and 84 years respectively.

His dream became a reality this year when he opened his own barber shop in Horwood Street in the Secunda CBD.

He began his hairdressing career five years ago when he rented a chair at a salon close to the Post Office and built up his clientele and skill over the years.

His salon was one of the first to open in the area.

Mapenzi’s Barber Shop has many regular and loyal clients who are treated like family.

Now that he has gained the experience he needed as well as the savings to fund his business, Mapenzi’s Barber Shop is a success with clients waiting in-line to get their hair cut, braided or tonged.

Mr Bora has plans of expanding and moving to a bigger space where he can style more clients.

He currently has five employees and is open from 8am to 8pm daily where men and women can get their hair done at reasonable prices and leave with a smile.

“I love my work. I cut hair and create many different hairstyles. The love I have for my work pushed me to rent the space and save up my earnings to expand,” said Mr Bora.

Mr Bora has a list of future plans and goals he wants to achieve in the new year, including getting married.