When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, many people were left jobless. However, a young entrepreneur from Thohoyandou, Ms. Aluwani Rabuma, saw this as an opportunity to do something unique and not only survive but thrive.

Rabuma, a self-taught baker, decided the time was right to start her own bakery, which she called ALLUS. The bakery specialises in freshly baked goods such as scones, biscuits, and banana bread. She started selling her products at the bridge linking the busy Thohoyandou town and the University of Venda (Univen) to the students and learners of the nearby Marude Secondary School.

“I realised that during the lockdown period, people needed a bakery that could supply quality baked goods. My business went from strength to strength, and the freshly baked goods were selling like hotcakes,” she said.

Rabuma believes she is now making a significant contribution to the local economy. Not only is she utilising local suppliers, but she is also creating job opportunities. “My unique selling point lies in the commitment to both quality and variety,” said Rabuma.

Rabuma was one of the 18 local exhibitors during the Township Entrepreneur Alliance (TEA) workshop held on Saturday, 20 July, at the University of Venda’s auditorium. The aim of the workshop was to provide township businesses nationwide with access to information, skills, and networking opportunities.

Mr Bulelani Balabala, the founder of TEA, said that they had seen the rise in youth unemployment and the challenges that small-business owners had endured over the past three years. They believe that the Kasi Business Workshop they organise will provide the necessary support to help revive the economy through the true lifeline of economic development, which is small businesses.

“These small businesses have shown their resilience by enduring the lockdown and surviving in tough economic times. Our surveys indicate that over 60% of small businesses reported that they had lost their sales pipeline. So, the need to build an inclusive economy is urgent,” said Balabala.

During the workshops, the entrepreneurs are taught practical steps small businesses can take to keep their compliance up to date and how to understand various regulations.

A fireside chat was also held with seasoned Thohoyandou entrepreneurs such as the well-known businessman and founder of Black Leopards FC, Mr David Thidiela, and Matodzi Joseph Mukwevho, the founder of the Mukwevho Group of Companies.

The small-business exhibition and a pitching competition was won by Ms Seshego Kgopa of Smart Detergents. Her company manufactures and supplies cleaning materials. She won the grand prize of R50,000.