Toyota SA Motors, in Partnership with ORT SA, Help Alleviate Poverty by Reviving a Business in Need.
The greatest defining characteristic that makes us human is the ability to feel. Feelings can move us to do many things – including helping those in need. Helping other people can be one of the most rewarding feelings possible – far outstripping the effort we put into improving their lives.
In this article, we sat with Delisile Mntambo. We discussed how the Toyota SA Motors programme, facilitated by ORT SA, revived her cabbage business by providing technological, entrepreneurial and financial support. Here’s what she had to say:
“I can say that I am a young business-minded woman from rural areas, and I have a diploma in public management. When I finished my diploma, I looked for a job, and sadly, I didn’t get a job, so I decided to start my own business. I started my business, Thandokuhle Poverty Fighters, in 2019. Initially, I had a problem when it came to financing the business, and I couldn’t manage it successfully.
After some time, I got introduced to the Toyota SA Motors programme, which started in March 2021. With the stipend I received, I continued with my business by buying 4000 cabbage seedlings. I also managed to purchase tools and water pipes for the business.
I will thank ORT for the skills I have learnt. The skills that I have obtained at ORT have changed me, especially customer service and sales representative skills [from the ORT SA entrepreneurship course]. I had no clue how to run a business, take care of customers, and market my business. Now I can market my business successfully, and the stipend I am receiving is helping me a lot. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to plant the cabbages I have.”
Thank you to Delisile for sharing her experience with us. We’re honoured to have been part of her journey – and we wish her all the best going forwards.
