Mbonani was recently awarded carwash equipment through a local organisation, which aims to promote entrepreneurship in the community and the gesture sparked inspiration in Mbonani to take his business to the next level.
He runs the Reception Corner Snack Bar at the corner of Bangani and Marule streets, and this will now expand to also accommodate his carwash and garden service.
“I want to encourage all newspaper vendors to venture into other forms of businesses, which they can do on a daily basis to generate extra income,” he explains.
“I know most of my fellow vendors rely so much on loyalty payouts, but they should also have a backup plan,” he explains.
Mbonani further expresses his views regarding the criticism that his faced in the past from community members, who assume they [street vendors] are too lazy to secure employment and just want to laze on street corners, selling snacks.
“I run a business like every businessman and woman; the fact that mine is not as formal doesn’t mean that I’m putting in less effort,” he says.
“Community members should start taking us seriously and support our small businesses.” he adds.
Ntate has big dreams for his Reception business; explaining he wants to have an umbrella of service in his space.
“I have a plan to also start a music production company under the Reception banner in the near future.
“There is so much I aspire to do, I want to show the community that people like me also have dreams and goals and, with time and hard work, all will be evident,” says the entrepreneur.
