Pheliwe Mbengo

36, Gugulethu, My name is Pheliwe Mbengo. I’m 36 years of age and reside in Guguletu.

Before I joined TCB my life was not of a good standard because of unemployment. I can say my life was difficult.

I completed my matric in 2004. Then I did some short courses in IT A+ and Networking. I found a job working for a security company. But, my life was up and down because I had to choose between my studies and work. It was hard. I end up picking IT and studying. I struggle to find a permanent job in IT as a woman with little experience. Companies will offer me learnerships, but never a job.

My life has changed a lot since I joined TCB learning new things every day; fixing appliances. I learn a lot about how to become independent and how to run your own business. Here we are taught how to act as a business person – not undermine ourselves! Plus, I manage to pay my debts!

The most important thing I learned at TCB is how to make my own decisions; how to respond and be responsible.

My advice to others? Never give up on life!

Bradley Freeman

Bradley Freeman, a TCB Repair Graduate, overcame drug addiction and is now self-employed, running an appliance repair and sales business. He has eradicated poverty from his life and is financially and socially independent. Most importantly, he has dignity. Now, he is paying it forward.

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Helen Makasi

41, Cape Town “My designs are inspired by South African diversity.” Helen Makasi lives in Eerste River with her 16 year old daughter and 8

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