Oakdene resident making his own fortune

To make ends meet, Fortune Maleba (19) from Oakdene took matters into his own hands by starting a dog walking business and offering this service to the residents in the south of Johannesburg.

He has lived in the south for as long as he can remember, attending primary and high school in the Brackenhurst and Brackendowns area.

“I enjoyed my upbringing. I was taught many valuable life lessons, especially when in high school. High school was a place where I developed, got involved in sports, and became academically competitive,” said Fortune.

Holding onto a dream

After high school Fortune’s life took a turn for the worse when his father fell ill and had a stroke, paralysing the right side of his body.

It greatly impacted Fortune’s chances of attending university because he had to care for his father.

“My dad had big plans for me to go to university and pursue my dreams. I learnt a lot from him. He is not the type who would say much, but he has shown me how to live through his actions,” said Fortune.

He took on the responsibility of taking care of his father, which included several hospital visits, and Fortune describes them as a strange experience. He was sad when his dad fell sick, and around him, people asked questions and expected him to be in university.

“As much as people have expectations and I have dreams, I cannot pursue any of them because before anything, even before school, my dad’s well-being is my top priority, and I need to care for him because if it were not for him, I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t have clothes to wear and I wouldn’t have food to eat,” said Fortune.

Taking charge of his life

At the time, unable to go to university and struggling to find work, the young man decided to take charge of his situation and set up his dog walking business since he already had a passion for canines.

“When I was unable to find a job despite my efforts, I became depressed because nothing kept the fire inside me burning. That’s when I started coming up with ideas,” said Fortune.

Of all his ideas, he went with offering dog walking services. He started in March, going door-to-door to introduce his business to the community.

“That was difficult, especially when they declined my services.”

However, despite this, he stayed motivated. Fortune currently walks a few dogs and said he treats his clients like royalty.

“It was a long time between when I went door-to-door and when I found my first clients, but I am grateful for the people who trust me with their fur babies,” he added.

Hopes for the future

If Fortune has the chance to go to university, he would like to study mechanical engineering, but for now, he hopes to grow his business and income to care for his father. Fortune also hopes to become an entrepreneur.

“In the weeks that I looked for clients, I have no idea what kept pushing me and keeping me motivated. I believe in what I’m doing, and if I get it right, it can become successful.

“Ambition fuels me, and I remember a quote that kept me going during the harder times, ‘You need to stop the mentality of waiting for someone to save you’,” he said.

If you are interested in his services or want more information, call Fortune on 068 509 6616.