Aldah Mosima: A Taking Care of Business Success Story | Repair Programme (Johannesburg)
My name is Aldah Mosima and I live in Ivory Park, Midrand, Sesonke Section. I’m 39 years old. I have 2 children, a boy and a girl, and I also take care of my parents, niece, and nephew.
Before I joined TCB, I was unemployed. I matriculated in 2003, then did a short course in computer studies. Afterward, I worked at a hair salon and then a call centre. Being unemployed, you try a lot of things which you think will make ends meet. I would help my mother sell clothes and ice cream, and at least we would have something to eat. It was very frustrating having to depend on others because they wouldn’t meet all my needs for my kids. I ended up feeling depressed and even thought about suicide.
My mother made me join because she was already part of the TCB Remake programme. She completed the application for me after seeing how depressed I was. I was reluctant at first but kept trying until I was successful.
Business person of the year
My journey has been a happy one, even though I had a few challenges at the beginning. When I started, I found out I was pregnant and had a miscarriage, but that didn’t stop me because I had to soldier on and work hard so that I wouldn’t go back to the dark place I was in before.
I was in debt, but TCB helped me work towards financial freedom. I’m able to do things that I couldn’t do before. I have learned to repair appliances. I’m now able to cater for my kids’ needs without expecting help from their fathers.
What really stands out is that I’m able to build my mom a house in Mpumalanga Bushbuckridge, which has always been a dream of mine. Since joining TCB, I’ve been getting business person of the month awards, and recently I received the award for Business Person of the Year 2024. It’s the biggest achievement and shows I take what TCB gave to me seriously.
The items I repair and sell help my customers in my community a lot because they get it at a lower price from me. Personally, I have gained more confidence because now I’m able to communicate and convince strangers to be my customers.
TCB changes people’s lives by empowering them, giving them skills to live by, even after they have left TCB. Being a business owner and meeting your customers’ needs always brings joy. I sell at a market at Swazi Inn next to Bophelong Pick ‘n Pay, I also sell through online community groups, and word-of-mouth referrals help.
I have big dreams for my future! First, I want to finish my mom’s house – I still need to do the roofing. Then, I’ll start making my dream of owning a salon a reality.
My advice to others?
- Don’t be scared to start afresh.
- Invest in the right tools: As a self-employed person, it’s important to invest in yourself and your brand by providing yourself with the right tools for the job.
- Prioritize budget planning: It’s important to prioritize your financial planning.
- Maintain self-discipline.
- Make networking a priority.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Bring value to the customer.
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.