When both her parents lost their jobs in 2019, Thikhedzo Muroka, then only 19 years old, was left with no one to take care of her. However, the young girl from Nzhelele did not succumb to despair but started thinking of ways to earn money. Once she realised what she wanted to do, she succeeded in turning a challenging situation into a lucrative business.

Today, the 23-year-old woman is an accomplished crocheter who is making a big name for herself in the clothing industry. On 25 February this year, she won the grand prize in the fashion-design category of the Atas competition, and the prize money was used to grow her business further.

“I was studying civil engineering at Vhembe TVET College’s Makwarela Campus when my parents lost their jobs. I sat down and thought of a way out of this dilemma, so that I could continue my studies. One day, while I was scrolling through YouTube, I came across a crochet video. I was immediately drawn to it. I told myself that this was something for me and that I could do it,” she said.

Thikhedzo decided to use the R50 her mother had given her for transportation to college to buy thread and a needle, and soon she found herself in business. She can crochet anything that comes to her mind and takes clients’ specifications and needs into account.

“A friend of mine, Maipfi Nengovhela, and her parents encouraged me to start a business. She supported me wherever possible to ensure that my business grew. She also motivated me not to give up, no matter the odds, and the rest is history. What inspired me was that crocheting is not a popular business interest in this area. Many people are too lazy to sit down and crochet. But it gives me the opportunity to have more customers. I don’t just crochet to make money; I also truly enjoy it. Winning the grand prize in the Atas competition helped me purchase more materials and equipment, which improved my business,” she said.

Thikhedzo encourages other young people to stop crying and feeling sorry for themselves when things do not go their way but rather to come up with ways to improve their situation.

For more information on her business, follow Thikhedzo on her Facebook page (Thikhe’s Crochet Designs).