Despite the dire youth unemployment rate coupled with the pandemic, Delisile Mntambo was transformed from an unemployed youth from KwaNgcolosi, KwaZulu-Natal into a business owner powerhouse.
Delisile was fortunate to be blessed with two important entrepreneurial factors – opportunity and mindset.
On 01 April 2021, Delisile was recruited by ORT SA to participate in the Youth Employment Services (YES) 12-month work experience programme, sponsored by Toyota SA.
Delisile was placed by ORT SA as an administration assistant at Ndlokolo Primary School in Hillside.
The work readiness and entrepreneurship training offered by ORT SA, was just what she needed to ignite her already flickering business spark.
On 16 May 2020, Thandokuhle Poverty Fighters, an agricultural business rose from the flames.
With her stipend, Delisile started with a crop of 4000 cabbages – this has expanded to lettuce and spinach.
She now supplies top retailers and supermarket chains, including Food Lover’s Market and Jwayelani, amongst others.
“Business is going very well. Now I’m a supplier for the Spar in Pinetown. I have also employed one person who works part-time”
She has faced challenges without fear – the floods and heavy rains in KZN was no match for her. She plans to expand her flourishing business. “I plan to get my own transport, as it is expensive to hire a delivery van. I am also planning to hire more people in the future”.
