From selling biscuits in high school to earning over R200,000 in online sales, Tshepo Ntsutle, normally known as Rich Tshepo, is now helping SMMEs break into e-commerce by teaching them how to source products locally and from China, and sell.
Through his growing WhatsApp groups and digital workshops, the self-made entrepreneur is empowering aspiring business owners with practical tools and step-by-step guidance to succeed in South Africa’s competitive online market.
Ntsutle’s entrepreneurial journey began during the Covid-19 lockdown when schools were closed and his family, like many others, was facing financial strain.
“I was broke and depressed because of Covid-19 rules, selling at school was banned. Then a friend told me his brother was still selling from home, and I thought, this might be my opportunity,” Ntsutle told Vutivi News.
That opportunity turned into a passion. He began sourcing stock from wholesalers, selling them during final exams and fixing smartphones on weekends to make ends meet. After matric, he realised the future was online.
“After high school, I realised physical selling has limits, and online selling lets you earn even while you sleep and helps you reach more people without a physical shop. That idea pushed me.”
Ntsutle began studying how to build an online business. He listed products on Makro Marketplace, Takealot and Amazon South Africa, focusing on high-demand appliances like air fryers.
“I reinvested profits, improved my product listing and responded quickly to queries. These platforms helped me reach more customers across the country,” said Ntsutle.
By prioritising competitive pricing, fast shipping and a responsive service, he scaled his side hustle to over R200,000 in online sales, and he’s now paying it forward by using WhatsApp as a low-barrier platform to mentor other young South Africans who want to do the same.
“People kept asking how I did it. So, I started the WhatsApp group to help others start without making the same mistakes I did,” said Ntsutle.
The group offers a range of support, such as supplier contacts, product ideas, pricing strategies, store setup help, advertising tips and even group imports to reduce shipping costs.
“Right now, I’m focused on sharing what I have learnt, especially with young people and beginners who want to start selling online. The goal is to help others learn and grow faster,” he said.
He believes that you do not need a fancy shop, but rather a good product and willingness to learn.
Ntsutle said many small online sellers faced challenges because they lacked capital and poor guidance.
“Many don’t have proper guidance, some get scammed by suppliers, and others struggle with marketing, so that’s why mentorship is key. With the right support, township entrepreneurs can compete in the digital economy,” said Ntsutle.
To run his business, Ntsutle uses Excel, Photoshop, a laptop, printer and a small warehouse for packaging.
He sources products both locally and via Temu and Alibaba, constantly researching what’s trending and needed.
