Inspiring story that is a real-life example of the 'teach a man to fish' saying
We love how he didn't just settle...
Get an education they said, work hard and focus on your studies and you will reap the benefits...
But we guess they didn't think about the state of the world when those things were being preached?
As much as it is something of a rite of passage to go to school, complete with a good pass, then progress to tertiary, it isn't a great feeling when you reach the part where you are meant to get a job after graduating, but instead you are sitting waiting for something, anything to come along.
This is a story of making your own success.
"Makatu Tshivhula (24) from Dlamini Soweto, has gone from working in a candle factory to owning his own candle-manufacturing business, The Light Candles in Pimville, Soweto, within a short space of six months." (MSN)
The young man who was unable to further his studies had to look for work, and so ended up working at a candle-making factory.
Tshivhula started small and by securing a silent partner, he was able to acquire the machinery he required to make the candles. Once he started gaining momentum and capital, he paid off his partner and found his niche market.
Which includes sangomas, traditional healers, prophets, and spiritual healers. Many of his customers are from KZN.
But this isn't the only market he serves. He also makes premium scented candles, household and pillar candles. He doesn't compromise on quality and imports his wax from Egypt.
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"While most businesses are feeling the pressure as a result of load shedding, Tshivhula has seen his candle sales increase. It is a double-edged sword though because although his sales have increased, load shedding does affect production so he needs to maximise production during the periods when power is available." (MSN)
Tshivhula has big plans for the future and besides helping many other graduates who have been plagued by unemployment, he also aims to help and encourage others to start their own small businesses.
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