Selling fruit and vegetables put Bonga through varsity
Bonga Mbucane (21) from South Hills, who grew up in Eastern Cape, honours and admires traders on the streets.
WHENEVER he sees a table full of fruit and vegetables, what comes to mind is the powerful testimony he wishes to share with people.
Bonga Mbucane (21) from South Hills, who grew up in Eastern Cape, honours and admires traders on the streets.
This admiration stems from the fact that he depended on profits his mother, Ntombizodwa Mbucane, made, which enabled him to complete his studies.
Bonga is a graduate in accountancy, but his achievements did not come easy.
Transportation, allowance, fees, stationery and other necessities had to come out of the money made from a table full of lemons and pawpaw which his mother sells.
He told the COURIER fees are expensive and the money made by his mother had to cover all his school costs, while his siblings had their own matters which needed money.
No food at home
“As a single mother, she tried to make ends meet by waking up early to set up her table.
“In the afternoon, I would go to her to see if she made some money for me to attend classes. Sometimes she had no money, but I understood the situation,” said Bonga.
He studied at the University of the Witwatersrand and had to skip some classes due to financial restraints, but he persevered.
“Today, people may think it was all easy. There was a time where we had no food to eat because all the money went to cover my school costs. But through the Grace of God we pulled through,” said Bonga.
Bonga’s mother has been selling fruit at Joburg Market in City Deep since 1999.
Ntombizodwa said all she wanted was to see her son furthering his studies.
“I took it upon myself to work hard every day and help my son to become something in life.
“Before he would go to school he would come and help me sell or stock up for me. He also played a huge part in his success,” said Ntombizodwa.
Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba met with Bonga and his mother on September 2, at their table.
The mayor said to them he is happy that traders like them are making a living out of nothing and wished them well in their business endeavours.
Bonga is currently on the verge of securing a deal with some farmers who will help her mother’s business to grow.
Quick facts
• Bonga is currently unemployed.
• He wishes to own a multi-million business farm.
• His father is alive, but played a small part in his life.
• He is single.
