Entrepreneur Nomfundo Mabaso, 28, of Burgundy Estate, clinched second place in the City’s #YouthStartCT entrepreneurial challenge last week.
The challenge, which started three months ago, put more than 100 finalists through their paces as they were coached at the False Bay College Centre of Entrepreneurship.
Ms Mabaso, who has lived in Burgundy Estate for the three years, said widespread poverty in South Africa resulted in her starting her own business Grey Pepper.
Grey Pepper provides services to private companies, government organisations, schools, entertainment companies, promotions companies and any industry that requires its services.
“I run a marketing and promotional company. We started a year ago and have been operational for the past four months. We mainly work in the film industry, and our services include offering corporate gifting to branding security guards’ uniforms,” she said.
Ms Mabaso, who is originally from Johannesburg, is also busy studying a marketing degree.
“I got to a point, in my life, where I would see so many of my family members suffering to survive. It would give me sleepless nights, and I decided if government is not going to create more jobs, I am. It really hits home, when you see your family not having anything,” she said.
Her advice to aspiring youth during Youth Month is to “never stop pushing”.
“Believing in yourself and your product is essential in cultivating the business you want and getting the clients that you need,” she said.
She told women that it’s time to “dominate” industries previously only reserved for men.
“I have so many young female friends that are running their own security and transport companies. We are all, just trying to make a living for ourselves and grow our businesses,” she said.
Ms Mabaso walked away with a laptop, a printer and business mentoring opportunities.