VANDERBIJLPARK – What started as a hustle in kasi streets is now becoming a formal business gold mine.

All thanks to a local game-changer with a heart for changing the backgrounds of those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.

This comes after a group of five informal business owners from various townships is now on the fast track to becoming fully-fledged entrepreneurs.

This is after the quintet caught the attention of the Hustler Empowerment Initiative (HEI) founder and CEO, Lawrence Khekhe.

Khekhe, a well-known businessman and philanthropist, rolled out the red carpet at a buzzing handover event on April 10 at the Eyethu Printing & Marketing Agency and Eyethu National Computer College offices in Vanderbijlpark.

During the event, the chosen five received a boost many only dream of, tools of their trade, professional branding boards, and most importantly, the opportunity to have their businesses registered.

The selected pack was handpicked from over 150 applicants who registered to be part of the Hustler Empowerment Initiative, a programme aimed at transforming informal businesses into viable and job-creating enterprises.

Speaking to Ster on the sidelines of the launch, Khekhe explained how his ‘vision’ was born.

“This initiative is a communitydriven project aimed at supporting informal traders. We seek to find financial assistance, business training and branding support to help individuals establish and sustain profitable businesses,” he said.

“We funded these businesses with marketing and stock. When we started, we wanted to fund these businesses with two thousand stock, branded t-shirts, and mentorship. We started the concept because we aimed at ending poverty, promoting self-employment, and creating a culture of entrepreneurship within our communities,” he added.

Khekhe said he spent over R18 000 from his profits to give back; however, he made a clarion call to government and other business people to join his journey and grow others.

“With the assistance of private businesses and government support, we can do more than that,” he said.

Among the lucky few is Mathopi Maloka (24), a hairdresser from Boitumelo, who received signage for her soon-to-belaunched design studio.

“I started this business because of a lack of jobs. Seeing that people always want to be beautiful, I decided to venture into beauty. When I saw the invitation from HEI on social media, I applied because I believe I can grow my business. Seeing that I became one of the few to be chosen, it gives me hope that one day what I started as a hustle is becoming a big business,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Andries Tobatse from Bervely, running Miller’s Corner Café, thanked HEI for the opportunity.

“Being part of this initiative has broadened my thinking and how I perceive business. With these skills and the branding of my business, I’m positive that one is on the verge of becoming bigger than he is in business,” he said. Several stakeholders, including FNB, Thusong Projects, and MAN, among others, joined the launch and handover.