Limited employment opportunities have pushed many young graduates to search for work, but Thabiso Mthabela chose a different path.
The 29-year-old entrepreneur from Bophelong has built businesses that now employ 10 people, earning him the Junior Businessman of the Year award. Mthabela received the award at the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony held at Pont de Val in July. The recognition celebrates his determination to build a business career despite financial difficulties and personal challenges.
After completing an IT diploma at the Vaal University of Technology, Mthabela struggled to secure employment. Rather than waiting for an opportunity, he decided to create one for himself.
Four years ago, he started an LPG gas business without financial backing. The business has since expanded to two branches, serving customers in different communities.
He later entered the food industry by establishing Dolly’s Pies. His experience in retail management helped prepare him for the move. During his first month as a shop manager, he was recognised as the best-performing manager.
His journey has not been without difficulties. His premises were broken into twice in consecutive months, while a separate robbery at his home involved five armed men. Despite these experiences, Mthabela has continued operating his businesses and protecting the jobs he has created.
He said the recognition had encouraged him to think bigger, but he also wanted other young people to understand that building a business requires patience and resilience.
For him, the award is an opportunity to encourage young people to keep working towards their goals, even when progress seems difficult.
Mthabela believes success should not be measured only by awards, but also by the ability to keep moving forward when circumstances become challenging.
Although criminals took money during the incidents, he said they had not destroyed his determination or stopped him from employing people.
His journey offers a lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs facing unemployment: starting small can create opportunities, but growing a business requires persistence through setbacks.
