Balisa Nzululeka | TCB Remake Programme | Cape Town
My name is Balisa Nzululeka. I am 37 years old and I reside in Langaliballele known as Langa Township. I have 4 children, 1 boy and 3 girls. The boy is 15 years and the second born is 12 years, third born is 8 years and the last born is 4 years old.
I still have both parents and I take care of their every day needs. I am part of the Remake programme. I joined TCB in July 2024.
I’m married for 17 years and I’m originally from the Eastern Cape. But I was born in Gauteng Roodeport because my parents used to reside there. I am the 5th child in a house of 7 children. I was raised by my uncle and his wife because my family was very poor so they had to scatter us for a better future. So that’s where I went, to Gqeberha, adopted by another family.
I joined TCB because I wanted skills and to boost my business and I expected good training and support to turn my ideas into reality.
My journey with TCB has been inspiring. I’ve come from uncertainty to gaining confidence and practical know-how through their workshops and mentorships.
I have learnt business skills, recycling techniques and how to really market my own products and skills. And I have learnt to upcycle excess fabrics. I am really proud to contribute to the circular economy by giving a new life to a material that people see it as waste. But most of all I have learnt how to handle life’s difficulties.
TCB has changed me. I’ve become more resilient, innovative and self-disciplined. TCB taught me responsibility and how to think creatively.
My life has changed from financial stress to stability. I now have income and a purpose through my business.
My family’s life improved. We have better finances through our businesses. I can support them, not on all things, but most of them and they are proud of my achievements.
I love the freedom of being a business owner. It gives me freedom in making my own decisions and seeing my ideas grow. My business focuses on upcycled products and I have a Tshisanyama (braai place) in the location and I have a strong belief in serving local customers in my community.
What makes me unique is my passion. I’m hardworking and never give up. I see each and every failure as starting again. And so I never deny myself the privilege of struggle.
Three words that describes me are best are – resilient, creative and determined. I depend on prayer, routine and my cellphone.
What motivates me is my family’s future, seeing my dreams become reality and the ability to give back.
My dream is to expand my business and build a Centre of Tourism attraction, because I did Tourism Information so I have knowledge in that. I want to create more jobs and inspire others in business and also leave a legacy behind.
My advice to others is: start small and never wait for hand-outs, learn continuously and network. Be patient with yourself. Set your goals, it doesn’t matter whether big or small. Pray more and live as an eagle and not like a chicken.
Taking Care of Business (TCB) is a nonprofit social enterprise. We are empowering unemployed South Africans and their families to escape the cycle of poverty through small business opportunities, mostly within the circular economy.
