LIMPOPO – The grand opening of Jelanto Ice Cream, Pap & Vleis restaurant in Mutsindo Mall in Thohoyandou created eight permanent jobs.
The branch that opened in Thohoyandou is similar to the restaurant in Gauteng, and will be the first of its kind in Limpopo.
Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rammbuda officially opened Jelanto Ice Cream, Pap & Vleis on July 8 and praised the management of the new restaurant for their efforts to create business and to help create job opportunities for unemployed residents.
“Our goal is to move Thulamela Municipality into city status by 2030, so the opening of new businesses such as Jelanto Ice Cream, Pap & Vleis is movement in the right direction. We as the municipality cannot create employment on our own, but when businesses such as restaurants open in our community, we can win the war against poverty and unemployment, which hinders rural communities,” said Rammbuda.
She warned the new employees of the restaurant and said they must take their jobs seriously, as employment opportunities are scarce, and those who have been employed must work hard towards the development of the business.
Rammbuda advised the management and employees to treat customers with respect because customers are the ones who will buy their products and sustain them.
The co-owner of Jelanto Ice Cream, Pap & Vleis is well-known businessperson Ronald Mutsila, who owned Susu restaurant. He is hopeful that the new business venture will bring good service and food that people around the Vhembe region can enjoy and taste for the first time.
“I’m happy to be in business with people of high calibre such as Edward Khomola, who already displayed his business acumen in Gauteng. As local business owners, we are ready to improve Thohoyandou and the surrounding areas to attract tourists from all over,” Mutsila said.
One of the newly employed women, Tshilidzi Muthumbi, said her life improved drastically, for her and the other employees, as they are now able to put food on the table for their families.
“We are ready to serve our customers with pride and respect and promise to cook good food. We will welcome the customers’ inputs on how to improve our business, and I urge customers not to feel shy to talk to us if they have some advice to share,” said Muthumbi.
