Lufuno has not let unemployment stop him from achieving his dreams

POLOKWANE – Lufuno Itani from Muledane Mvudi Park outside Thohoyandou in the Vhembe district have not let unemployment stop him from achieving his dreams.

Itani owns a workshop at DR Phathela Complex from which he makes a living to support his family. He urged young people around the Vhembe district, who are able to, to create jobs.

Itani holds a diploma in motor mechanics which he obtained at Capricorn TVET college.

He told CV that he had discovered his passion for mechanics after some personal setbacks in his life. “I started working at a brewery as a packer and then at a construction company as a safety officer. I decided to quit and started working for myself,” he explained and said he soon realised that he had to find a way to keep himself busy.

Itani eventually discovered that he had a talent for working with cars.

“I gained as much knowledge as I could so that I would be able to fix any kind of car. My business started to pick up and I have now gained a lot of experience and more customers who are proud of my work,” said Itani.

He added that he worked in Gauteng before he decided to start his own venture in Vhembe. “I moved back to teach people in the district various skills. We must tackle poverty and unemployment in our communities through various business opportunities. The Vhembe district is one of the fastest emerging economic districts in South Africa and boasts some of the best young entrepreneurs,” he explained and said his business is growing.

Itani confirms that when he started his business 10 years ago, he struggled and sometimes felt his efforts were useless.

“Working in this industry is sometimes a gamble because some customers fail to pay what they owe, and this can kill a business,” he said.

He advised young people to stop depending on the government. “Government alone cannot afford to support us all. We need to stand up and create jobs for ourselves,” he concluded.