A Mandela Park couple has decided to turn their bad experience into a potential business.
Nandipha Nobahle and Mzoxolo Tokoyi hit a pothole in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, while going to Thamara in 2017. Their vehicle was damaged in the process.
Instead of dwelling on their bad experience, the couple thought of an idea that could help other motorists not to go through similar experiences. They started a tar making/paving maintenance business where they manufacture tar in their garage. They then supply it to other businesses, while they also fix damaged roads.
Tokoyi, who has worked in the Civil Engineering field for 15 years, says his knowledge came in handy.
Five years since their horrific accident, the couple now owns a company called Asphalt Guru to ensure the safety of other motorists.
The business was recently acknowledged by the City of Cape Town’s Community Development Worker (CDW) programme for playing an important role in identifying the needs and facilitating economic empowerment in communities around Cape Town.
The CDW programme injected a sum of R50 000 towards supporting the business.
The funds were used to buy material and equipment.
In an interview with City Vision, Tokoyi said any form of help they get will go towards further development of Khayelitsha.
“The majority of people in Khayelitsha are unemployed and this business may help a lot in trying to reduce the number. When things are good, we aim to employ 16 people, which will mean 16 families will benefit from this project,” he said.
Tokoyi said they were also looking at employing more women. “Time has changed a lot. These days women can do many things. It is something of the past that women’s place is in the kitchen,” said Nobahle, who is also the business director.
However, the duo is still looking for additional material including compressor, mixer, gravel, plastic and most importantly an opportunity to prove themselves in fixing public roads.
The project is being monitored and guided by the City and the Western Cape Government to ensure its sustainability.
The process involves buying tar in 25 kg bags and processing this for fixing private residential pathways/driveways mainly around the Khayelitsha area.
However, going beyond Khayelitsha boarders remains a huge possibility. “There is so much untapped potential in our marginalised communities that can be unlocked with the right support. Showcasing a programme like the CDW programme can also hopefully inspire residents to pursue their own creative or unconventional business ideas,” said Grant Twigg, Mayco member for Urban Waste Management.
Twigg said life in South Africa is full of challenges, and there is money to be made if residents can come up with innovative solutions.
