Nikiwe Magitshima: A Taking Care of Business Success Story | Resell Programme (East London)
Life as a single mother to a 14-year-old boy in Mdantsane keeps me busy. Back in Cape Town, where I’m originally from, a young me craved independence. I honed my selling skills early on, selling chips and sweets to get what I couldn’t at home. This spirit carried me through high school until a bursary offered the opportunity for university studies in Business Commerce Accounting.
During my second year, bank officials offered promising careers in finance. With the lure of stability and a better lifestyle, I left my studies unfinished, forfeiting my bursary. While the financial security was welcome, the work lacked fulfilment. Looking for a change, I got a job with a well-know health insurance company, but I still couldn’t find the spark I was looking for. In 2018, I finally resigned.
Fuelled by a love for fashion, I started an online clothing and shoe venture in late 2018. The early days were promising, with a growing customer base. However, COVID-19 struck in 2020, closing access to suppliers and forcing me to close shop.
A new beginning in East London
Seeking a fresh start, I moved to East London. I struggled to find a job, leading me to explore working with companies like Table Charm, Tupperware, and Avon. The small commissions meant constant reliance on my mother for support.
I heard about TCB, a programme offering business education, access to affordable clothing and shoes for resale, and a supportive community. I did some research online and applied immediately. After attending an Open Day in December 2023, I applied and was happy to be accepted.
Empowerment and growth
For me, TCB feels like an answer to prayer. As a spiritual person, I sought guidance for my career path, and TCB appeared. It represented a second chance, perhaps my last, to build a successful future and leave a legacy for my son. Three months in, the positive changes are undeniable. My sales profits allow me to contribute to household expenses and prioritise my son’s needs – school fees, pocket money, clothes, and more.
TCB goes far beyond just selling. We get invaluable training in business skills, money management, customer service, and the do’s and don’ts of entrepreneurship. Mentors, coaches, and facilitators provide holistic support, ensuring we thrive as individuals and business owners.
At TCB, I see myself soaring high like an eagle, achieving my childhood dream of becoming a successful businesswoman. With this new direction, I can finally set personal and business goals, something that was previously impossible. Lost and hopeless before, TCB offered clarity and a path to financial independence.
Thank you, TCB, for being a beacon of light and hope for single mothers like me. May you continue empowering women to build legacies for their families.
Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our mission to empower individuals to become self-sufficient and successful business owners to build a better future for themselves and their families. Donate now.
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.
