Virgil Rule | TCB Repair Programme | Cape Town
My name is Virgil Rule. I live in Strand. I’m a dad, I’m married and I’ve got two boys.
When I joined TCB (Taking Care of Business), I was unemployed. I lost my job during COVID and never really recovered. I managed to get a position after COVID, but it was a temporary contract, and after the contract ended, I was unemployed again. I tried to start a business, but I didn’t have the necessary skills. When I saw the opportunity that was advertised at TCB, I applied, went through the interview process, got accepted and then went through the onboarding process.
The opportunity that I got from TCB really made a massive impact and change in my life. Not only did TCB provide me with skills and an opportunity, but they also gave me the chance to learn and apply soft skills and basic business skills. On top of that, I also learnt people skills like problem solving, conflict handling and relationship building.
I was given a platform and a chance to receive coaching from life coaches and experienced people in their fields, as well as access to a counsellor, which really helped me. In the two years that I’ve been part of the programme, I was able to deal with trauma that I had. Looking back now, that has made the biggest impact on my life — being able to deal with the childhood trauma I experienced.
Having the opportunity to speak to someone and receive the tools needed to navigate life, while building a business, made the biggest difference. When I get into difficult situations, I now know how to get out of them because of the life skills I’ve learnt. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity that TCB has provided me with. I’m a better person because of the tools I have received to deal with the effects of my childhood, teenage and adolescent trauma, which still has an impact on me.
The fact that I have acquired such a broad range of skills has allowed me to tap into other spaces. I’ve branched out into areas linked to passions I’ve always had but didn’t know how to turn into a business or income. Now, thanks to TCB, I’m able to do that. I see things in a different light and I can truly say my life has improved. TCB has helped me to become more proficient. I didn’t necessarily become a good fixer, but I fell in love with selling and interacting with clients and people.
Once I graduated, my business really took off. I’m able to cover my expenses, pay my bond, cover my car and transport costs, and even go on short breakaways. My child is a Western Province chess player, and I’m able to cover those expenses too, all made possible through the business.
Before TCB, I was defeated. I didn’t have any vision. Life got the better of me. But during and after TCB, I became stronger. I applied the skills I was taught and they became part of me, and I can really see the success in my life now. I’m truly grateful for what TCB has done in my life, and I would advise anyone to grab hold of this opportunity.
Thank you, TCB.
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.