PULENG Rosinah Syed refused to let the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic bring her down and tarnish her dreams of opening her own business.
Syed’s story and her personal struggles certainly inspire younger generations, while depicting the harsh reality of the current unemployment levels in the country.
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The Empangeni resident was born in the small mixed farming town of Winburg in the Free State, where she grew up and completed her schooling, before gaining a N6 qualification in electrical engineering.
After acing her studies, Puleng battled to find work, owing to her lack of experience within her chosen field of study.
As a result, Puleng hit the books again and completed a B Tech degree in clinical technology at the Central University of Technology, and registered with the HPCSA.
After all this hard work and determination, Puleng found herself in the same boat of unemployment, but she was determined to make a success of herself.
She furthered her tertiary education by completing a Master’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry, with summa cum laude, at the University of KZN.
But despite all her higher educational degrees, Puleng still battled to secure employment, and her situation was only exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic which placed a shadow over her hopes and dreams.
Enough was enough, and Puleng took the brave and bold decision of starting up her own business, specialising in making sun-dried tomato pickle.
Her product is currently the only one being made and sold in South Africa.
‘I decided to make this variety of pickle, as sun-dried tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support the immune and digestive systems,’ explained Puleng.
‘To be honest, I had no idea of how to pack and market my product, so I had to carry out extensive research and educate myself.
‘Last year I managed to secure all the materials I needed, and standardised the pickle-making protocol.
‘I was blessed enough to employ Philile Sizakele Sokhela on a part-time basis to help me.
‘I also registered my company and founded a website for pickle information.
‘I converted a room in my house to make pickles and have received positive feedback from customers who have tried my product.’
Puleng said that her pickle adds great flavour to any dish and can be eaten with rice, pap, bread, roti/tortillas, spaghetti, macaroni and other snacks.
‘A number of local shops have agreed to sell my pickles, but I am hoping more will take on my product.
‘My goal is to get my product into bigger brand stores and grow my pickle business on an industrial scale to employ more people.
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