Owen Sonqwaku: A Taking Care of Business Success Story | Repair Programme (Cape Town)
Owen Sonqwaku
My name is Owen Sonqwaku. I live in Philippi. I have one son, and I take care of my son’s mother and my siblings. I am currently on TCB’s Repair Programme, which I joined in January 2024.
Before TCB, I was unemployed and a former drug and alcohol addict. Despite having a matric, I earned a living through short-term jobs and renting out a room to a tenant. I had significant financial struggles. I used to collect old appliances, repair them, and resell them. At the same time, I was always searching for more short-term jobs. My life was inconsistent – sometimes I felt happy, but other times I felt deeply sad.
For me, TCB is life-changing. TCB helps me become a better man and a better father.
My journey has been full of ups and downs. Every time I fall, I “fall up” – I get up and start again. At TCB, I’ve learned to properly repair appliances and manage a business. The mentoring I receive helps me handle money wisely and take better care of my business. We share advice and support one another.
I’ve changed a lot from the way I used to behave. Now, I manage my money better and take better care of my family.
I have big dreams for the future. I want to buy my own house and my own car. I also want to grow my business and become a landlord. Every lesson I’ve learned from TCB is something I can apply in my life and business. These lessons will benefit me wherever I go in life.
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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.