Making ends meet by selling old clothes, sweets

Nhlahla Joyce Madlopha, a 55-year-old woman from Homelake earns a living by selling second-hand clothes and sweets in Angelier Street.

Instead of sitting at home doing nothing, Madlopha collected second-hand clothes and used the little money she had to buy sweets with one purpose – to earn a living.

Like many other small businesses struggling to stay afloat, Madlopha is in the same boat and appealed to the public to support her.

“I was once fired because I can’t see well. I have tried to look for a job but no luck,” she told the Herald, explaining that her poor eyesight is a result of an accident in 1981.

With no children or spouse to rely or fall back on, Madlopha said she lives with her nephew.

“He takes care of me but I also have to pull my weight and contribute.”

With courage she started the small business. So far it hasn’t been as successful as she had hoped.

I thought people would support the business considering the items I sell, such as the clothes, are essential and cheap, but no luck,” she said.

“I would sometimes go home with R3, which is from the sweets. People do pass by yes, have a look and then promise to come back, but this is almost never the case. I am now thinking of quitting. I have never made more than R100 in a day.”

Modlopha concluded by saying it is really not easy for her, as some days it’s freezing. Her faith, however, keeps her pushing on, hoping that maybe tomorrow will be a different day.