LIMPOPO – When Covid-19 struck in 2020, it left many people jobless, but Aluwani Rabuma, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Thohoyandou, saw it as an opportunity for growth.
Seated at home during the lockdown, Rabuma contemplated how to survive in a tough world and turned new challenges into opportunities for self-development.
In 2020, Rabuma, a self-taught baker, founded Allus Bakery, specialising in freshly baked goods including scones, biscuits and banana bread. She proudly sells her products daily at the bridge connecting Thohoyandou town with the University of Venda (Univen), catering to students and learners from the nearby Marude Secondary School.
“I realised during the lockdown that people appreciate a bakery that can supply quality baked goods. My business grew from strength to strength, with fresh goods selling like hot cakes,” said Rabuma.
“As a young entrepreneur in Thohoyandou, I’m contributing to the local economy by sourcing ingredients from local suppliers. My unique selling point lies in our commitment to both quality and variety.”
Rabuma was one of 18 local exhibitors at the Township Entrepreneur Alliance (TEA) workshop held on Saturday at the University of Venda auditorium.
The workshop aims to provide township businesses nationwide with access to information, skills, and networking through the Kasi Business Workshop and Expo.
Rabuma expressed her aspirations to develop a commercial bakery, focusing on marketing and branding to promote her business further. Her vision is to deliver high-quality goods to her township.
Bulalani Balabala, the founder of TEA, highlighted the rise in youth unemployment and the challenges small business owners have faced over the past three years.
“We believe that the Kasi Business Workshop will provide the necessary support to help revive the economy through the true lifeline of economic development: small businesses,” said Balabala.
“These small businesses have endured the lockdown, Covid-19, and tough economic times. Our Township Economic Survey states that over 60% of small businesses reported losing their sales pipeline, so the need to build an inclusive economy is both urgent and now.”
The workshop focused on compliance management, teaching practical steps small businesses can take to keep their compliance up to date and understand regulations.
A fireside chat featured seasoned Thohoyandou entrepreneurs, including the well-known businessman and founder of Black Leopards FC, David Thidiela and Matodzi Joseph Mukwevho, the founder of Mukwevho Group of Companies, who have navigated the Township Economy.
The event also included a small business exhibition and a pitching competition, which was won by Seshego Kgopa of Smart Detergents. Her company manufactures and supplies cleaning materials in Polokwane, earning her a grand prize of R50 000.
