You are most likely to be remembered by many if you are kind, giving, hardworking and humble in life.
Among those making such a significant impact on people’s lives is Mpho Setjeo (44).
The guy sells sandwiches at intersections, but if you are having a bad day, he will make you smile and that is guaranteed.
You feel as if you can face whatever comes your way just by seeing this guy waving and smiling at you every morning.
We caught up with Mpho to learn more about his business, side hustle, and personal life.
His calling in life
Every morning, dressed in something yellow, he walks up and down with his tray of sandwiches waving and smiling at everyone.
A man like this is an example of what we should all strive for.
His smile conceals pain, and on some days, according to him, he doesn’t feel like smiling, but regardless, he smiles, and it’s contagious.
A qualified graphic designer, Mpho said he received a vision from God to do more and to make a difference.
“As a resident of Alrode South for the last four years, I saw a need in my neighbourhood one day while driving around. “The need for breakfast arises from the fact that you must drive a few kilometres to purchase breakfast.”
As a result, Daily Bread was born.
The meaning of daily bread in the Bible is to ask God to provide our daily needs such as food and shelter. The phrase originates from the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4).
Mpho says his experience as a waiter at Wimpy a few years ago gave him an advantage when identifying what to sell. He used it as a guideline for what to serve.
The first two weeks were a nightmare for him as people chased him away and they weren’t interested in him.
“So I drove around and thought to myself I need a spot where I won’t bother people, so I decided on the intersection of JG Stijdom and Delphinium Road.”
In two months, I started attracting attention and people began enjoying my breakfast sandwiches.
“My oldest son asked if he could help me, and I said yes, but I will hire you.”
Four months have passed and the Setjeos are now seen weekly at the intersection of JG Strijdom and Delphinium Street, as well as at Kliprivier Road and JG Strijdom Street.
In addition to the yellow business colours of Lebo and Mpho, both intersections display yellow signage every morning.
“Yellow is a happy colour,” said Mpho.
The success behind Daily Bread
All of Mpho’s preparations are done in the evenings. After waking up at 04:00 to pray, he prepares all the sandwiches, which usually takes him an hour to an hour and a half to prepare.
At 06:00, he will shower, get dressed and leave the house. After dropping Lebo off at the Kliprivier intersection, he will proceed to his selling point.
From 06:30 to 09:30 on Mondays through Fridays, they sell breakfast sandwiches.
In total, he packs 56 to 60 sandwiches per day.
“Most of our clients are workers on their way to work, but we also have some scholars here and there. We conveniently offer breakfast and people can see what is on our menu and we accept cards and cash.
“To pay tribute to the celebrities, I named my sandwiches after them.”
The six sandwiches on his menu are:
• Johnny Clegg, which is a ham and cheese sandwich.
• Brenda Fasi, is a chicken and mayonnaise sandwich.
• Trevor Noah, is an egg and mayonnaise sandwich
• Leon Schuster, which is the Dagwood
• Elvis Presley, which is a banana, bacon and peanut butter sandwich.
They are packed in sandwich containers with Mpho’s business logo and contact details, which he designed himself.
Paying it forward
In recent weeks, Mpho has been trending on social media with his campaign “Pay it Forward”.
Throughout the campaign, people from all around deposit money into his account to pay for someone else’s sandwich.
It’s all about uplifting society and setting an example for the next generation.
“I know life is hard and finding a job seems impossible but sit still, look around you and listen to your inner voice.” “See what is missing in the picture or scenery you are looking at and take that opportunity,” said Mpho.
“Yes, you will not always succeed, but you keep on doing what you are doing. Make a plan and work for what you want.”
In addition, Mpho repackages sandwiches that were not sold into plastic bags and distributes them to the homeless.
“There will never be a day when I sell yesterday’s stock.”
This and that
A native of Thokoza, he is the eldest child of five siblings. Mpho was raised by his grandmother. He went to Maphanzela Primary School and matriculated from Thoko-Thaba High School.
Since Standard 10 (Grade 12) it was his dream to become a graphic designer.
“My former boss, Michelle Dean, from Lime Blue Design influenced me and she always referred to us as visual communicators.”
For the last 20 years Mpho has been a graphic designer and today he is self-employed. He is a father of three, Lebo (20), Botle (17) and Morena (14).
In his free time, he enjoys attending live concerts with his partner.
“I also enjoy being active, reading and spending time with my loved ones.”
His children inspire him and it is important to him to be a role model for them.
“I want to live for them and not die for them. “My family and friends also inspire and motivate me; even my clients and my social media followers.”
If he could change one thing in the world it would be to put an end to poverty.
“Poverty is the main reason for many problems. We need hands that pay it forward and empower each other.”
