Young Empangeni entrepreneur has his eggs in a row
'It was an easy decision for me to help as much as I can as my father is my hero'
WHILE most teenagers have a hectic social life with little or no financial worries or constraints, 15-year-old Sbonga Sibiya has voluntarily stepped up to the plate next to his father Michael, assisting him with his small business to survive the current difficult economic times.
‘After my dad lost his job, he realised he needed to come up with a way to support our family as he is the man of the house,’ explained Sbonga.
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‘He began selling eggs and invested in an ice machine to sell ice as well.’
Sbonga, who is currently in Grade 9 at Old Mill High School, is one of three children in the house. His mother is a teacher.
‘Out of necessity our family must stand together and support my father in what he does.
‘It was an easy decision for me to help as much as I can as my father is my hero.’
Sbonga said that over the years he has learnt a lot about entrepreneurship, the value of money and what it takes to become successful.
‘Success does not just fall into one’s lap.
It is earned through hard work and determination.
‘We are blessed that family and friends support our business, which helps with sales.’
The rugby player says that he helps his dad on weekends and during school holidays to push sales and revenue.
‘Whenever I have spare time I put trays of eggs outside the house on a table and sit for hours waiting for customers to come.
‘But generally, we sell at the eSikhawini market or outside Empangeni Power Spar.
‘We also have a lot of pre-orders and we complete deliveries.’
Sbonga says he would like to become a civil engineer one day and wants to use what he has learnt from his dad to become successful.
‘We get our eggs fresh from my uncle’s farm and manage to clear stock weekly, which allows for us to sell quality products.
‘We also sell 4kg ice bags, which get made per order.
‘All products are cheaper than our competitors and we have managed to build up an impressive client base.’
Sbonga says he enjoys swimming, driving cars and playing video games in his spare time, but knows that business comes before pleasure.
‘This has taught me that whatever you want in life, does not come easy and you have to work hard to turn dreams into reality.’
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