Mxolisi Vusumuzi Fortunate Mbatha is a young man from Bhekuzulu who has taken the initiative to help young up-and-coming business people in the community.
Mbatha is the main host of an event called the ‘One Stop Market’. He explains that he envisioned this event twice before finally implementing it. ‘’The main aim is for young business people to get exposure in the community. We have a lot of young people who sell different things, but they are not well known. I am giving them a platform to get recognition and earn a living.’’
Mbatha works alongside Gordon Mtshali and Zakhele Khumalo in planning the market. The first event was held on November 28 last year, the second on January 1 this year, and the third and latest was held on Sunday in Nogwaza and Gama Street.
Mbatha stated that people come in numbers to support these business people who sell food, clothing, paintings, beauty products and lots of other things. He said this is also a way for people to advertise what they sell.
‘’When I first shared this idea with my team, I received positive feedback from them. They were so glad that I wanted to try something like this in our community; they told me to go for it and here I am today, still pushing and succeeding. It is my wish for companies, banks and business people who are already in the business industry to support and assist those who are still trying to find their way up. I believe it is a great initiative for our town; the event is here to uplift us all.’’
He mentioned that while planning the event, he did encounter several challenges. ‘’As the event is held outside in an open space, people need toilets, chairs, tables and many other things, so support from the community would be much appreciated.’’
He pleads with young people to do something positive with their lives, saying, ‘’If you believe in something, go for it and don’t mind what other people are doing or saying. Focus on you!’’
He concluded by thanking the Traffic Department for giving them the opportunity to use the road, the SAPS for checking that everything is under control, and the community at large for their continued support.
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