Springs resident turns grit into growth with atchar business
From selling amakipkip to launching his atchar brand, Jabulani Mokoena is proof that hustle, heart and vision can pave the way to success. This Youth Month, meet the Selcourt entrepreneur inspiring others to turn ideas into opportunity.
As we celebrate Youth Month, the spotlight shines on young trailblazers making a meaningful impact in their communities. Among them is Jabulani Mokoena, an entrepreneur and rising force.
This Selcourt resident has become a go-to supplier for delicious atchar. He started his business by first selling ‘amakipkip’ to raise capital. After raising enough money, Jay’s Atchar was born.
In true entrepreneur style, Jabulani wakes up at 02:00. By 05:00, he’s on the street corner to sell fat cakes and scones; in the afternoon, he sells atchar prepared by his uncle and spiced by him.
“I have always loved business since high school. A few years ago, I ran a poultry business, which was successful until factors outside my control forced it to close down. I started selling atchar because I saw a gap in the Selcourt market that no one else was filling,” Mokoena said.
He says businessman Tebogo Mantambo, who has built a reputable business widely supported by the community, inspired him.
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After losing his grandmother at a young age, Mokoena was forced to become independent. He says he has always believed in his power to achieve whatever he sets his mind to.
“I don’t believe in calling myself unemployed when I’ve been gifted with a fully functional brain full of ideas. I needed to be proactive so my family could be fed.”
Mokoena completed his matric in 2011 at Kenneth Masekela Secondary School. He went on to study for an LLB at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) but had to drop out after facing some challenges.
“That never stopped me. I enrolled at the Springs East College, where I obtained an N6 qualification in marketing. I also completed a few online courses at UJ -sustainable development goals and the Fourth Industrial Revolution – to broaden my educational background,” he recalled.
He has persevered despite adversities such as harsh weather conditions and the vandalism of his posters, which disrupted his business operations.
“Even amid challenges, I never give up because I don’t feel comfortable when I’m not working. To me, entrepreneurship is the hope for our country—we are the ones who can help solve socio-economic issues like unemployment,” Mokoena said.
He said his ultimate dream is to partner with retailers and commercialise his business. He also offered words of encouragement to young people who feel there aren’t enough opportunities to pursue entrepreneurship.
“Opportunities do exist. The real challenge is the lack of information on how young people can access them. My advice is: Don’t sit on your idea, but make sure you protect it.
“Be cautious with partnerships because they can derail your vision if the other person isn’t as committed as you are,” he said.
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