BOPHELONG – A young businessman from Bophelong is celebrating a major milestone after being crowned Junior Businessman of the Year.
Thabiso Mthabela (29) received the prestigious award at the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce awards, held at Pont de Val in July.
According to the jubilant youngster, the recognition has given him even more reason to aim higher.
Thabiso, who was born and raised in Bophelong, said simply being nominated was already a huge achievement.
“Being nominated alone makes one keep on going and aiming high. But winning the award makes one a whole different person,” he said.
The award recognises Thabiso’s journey as a young entrepreneur who has turned unemployment into an opportunity to create jobs.
After graduating with an IT Diploma from the Vaal University of Technology, Thabiso struggled to find employment.
Instead of waiting for a job, he decided to build his own future.
“I decided to create jobs instead of waiting for one,” he said.
Four years ago, he started his LPG gas business without funding.
Today, the business has grown into two branches serving different communities.
He later ventured into the food industry and founded Dolly’s Pies, after gaining experience as a shop manager, where he was named Best Shop Manager within his first month.
Thabiso said his businesses now employ 10 people.
For Thabiso, however, the award is not just about his own success.
He believes it represents what young people can achieve when they refuse to give up.
“I didn’t need an award to tell me I’m a winner. I already knew that. But as I won, I’ll use that platform to tell other young people the truth: it won’t be easy, you will get knocked down, but don’t quit,” he said.
Despite suffering two business break-ins in consecutive months and a terrifying house robbery involving five-armed men, Thabiso continued building his businesses.
He says his determination is part of what has kept him going.
“They took money, but they couldn’t take my mindset. I’m still standing. I’m still employing 10 people,” he added.
And now, with the Junior Businessman of the Year title under his belt, the Bophelong-born entrepreneur says the journey is far from over.
