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CONTENTS EDITOR’S NOTE.............................................................................................................................5 CREATIVE OF THE MONTH..................................................................................................7 DINSTHANG........................................................................................................................10 PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOZI YINGA KUNENE.......................................................................... 11 READ-A-THON BY TUMELO KHOZA KA PHAHLA................................................................ 15 COVER STORY- MPUMELELO MAFUNDA............................................................................ 17 PANTSULA LA JAM............................................................................................................. 21 SWEET CREATIONS AND MORE......................................................................................... 24 LET’S GET SWEATING WITH BODA MTIMKULU.................................................................. 26 VAAL RADIO PERSONALITIES..........................................................................................., 28
ISSUE 13 BROUGHT TO YOU BY: EDITOR/ WRITER Reitumetse Shebe CONTRIBUTOR Tumelo Khoza Ka Phahla COVER LAYOUT LeMricho Bikitsha WITH THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS - Precious Cargo Transporting - Under Oath - Letsatsi Creatives - Thembi bakes THE016 APRIL/MAY 2021 | 3
ED’S NOTE Welcome back fellow readers. It’s good to have you with us. This issue carries stories of local entrepreneurs. We met with the CEO and Founder of the most talked about Chicken dust in the Vaal, Mpumelelo Mafunda who hosted us at his container for his interview. He tells us about his journey and he gives valuable advice which we think many will learn from. He is a pioneer in his own right. Sticking with the entrepreneurship theme, we met Gontse Selaocoe who is known as “Pantsula la Jam”. He reigns from Orange Farms and is an agro-processor, dancer and entrepreneur. He tells us about the role his grandparents played in where he is today. We also met Segomotso Motso who is a proud owner and baker at Sweet Creations And More. Her company was recently founded. A fun fact about her is that she doesn’t even eat cakes. Strange right? Well, you’ll get to read all about her and her amazing business. Your favourite features are still available which include Dinsthang and Creative of the month/issue. We’ve introduced a new feature called “ Vaal Radio Personalities”. Here, we profile a local radio personality so you get to know them beyond just listening to them on your favourite local radio station. We hope it will be of your liking. We enjoyed putting this issue together for you. Thank you for trusting us to give you local stories about creatives and small businesses infiltrating the Vaal scene.
To telling authentic Vaal stories.
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Enjoy the read.
Reitumetse Shebe Founder and Editor
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C R E A T I V E
FEATURE This issue’s chosen creative is Baba Luyanda. He is a photographer based in Sebokeng. Luyanda, we celebrate you and your craft. Keep shining. Socials: Facebook: Baba Luyanda (profile) BABA Luyanda (page) Instagram: @babaluyanda_ Model: Lerato Monica (Facebook)
O F T H E I S S U E
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EVENTS
Dinsthang? A brief rundown of events in the Vaal.
PULL UP FEST- Warm Up Pull up fest warm up is hosting an event in Three Rivers on the 2nd of May. The line up consists of Masedi and Uncle Vinny. The event will be held at Lifestyle Lodge and Hotel. S.H.E WOMEN Strong. Honourable. Ewer is hosting an event on the 1st of May in Melrose Arch. Attendees will engage in 30-minute-long sessions with a coach of their choice. There will be 6 coaches on the day. Get your tickets as space is limited. WRITING WORKSHOPS Award winning author Sbusiso Manqa is hosting writing workshops at the Vanderbijlpark library for aspiring writers. These will run until the 22nd of May. The aim is to educate writers about how to make money online amongst many valuable lessons. Book your seat today. THE016 APRIL/MAY 2021 | 9
PHOTOGRAPHER: NOZI YINGA KUNENE MODEL: GAISANG
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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Read – a – thon (World Book Day special)
FEATURE
Written by Tumelo Khoza Ka Phahla
I read that 90% of the population buys gadgets and TV sets, and have never seen the interior of a bookshop. Only about 10% buys books. With deep disappointment, I thought to myself, sourly “Hee hee… people really know how to rob themselves of a wealth of knowledge.” I, therefore, have written this piece to remind you, dear reader, of the importance of reading, especially if you consider the fact that World Book Day is upon us on the 23rd of April to celebrate books and authors and encourage the youth to discover the pleasure of reading. However, before I even dwell on the facts of World Book Day, we will first have to establish if we, in the Vaal, take literature seriously as an art form: Which writer from the Vaal whose book you have bought or read? Does the department of sports, recreation, arts and culture and libraries in our municipality create enough platforms for open engagement on wellness and development of our writers? Do we have up-to-par writers/storytellers who can take up the challenge of writing Vaal into existence? Who are they? Can we create a thriving literary culture? Methinks not. Well, at least not with this pace. If there’s any resolution I have for the Vaal (and perhaps impose), is for local libraries to make mandatory procurements of the books by Vaal authors, for our municipality to endorse literary events like book festivals and writing workshops/ competitions to nurture a Vaal-based teen who dreams of becoming a writer in the tomorrows to come and for local authors, writers and readers alike to raise their hands and have symposiums where dialectics are exchanged to revive the literary scene in the region. Also, do we, as the creatives, roll our sleeves and approach the municipality and the private sector with robust ideas and innovations about literary events? I know not of, and therefore, I can speak not of. One such event is the Nosetsang Metso Literature Festival in Evaton, under the stewardship of Pearl Khumalo and the award-winning Sbusiso Manqa (big ups to them for this initiative). I wrote extensively about this in my sophomore book UnABC. I attempted to depict, although not in the most accurate of details, how reading improves community cohesion and increases cognitive abilities. Of this remembrance, I pondered: “Nothing fuels stereotypes like ignorance. Reading suspends your disbelief, it makes you understand social dynamics – it also gives you wisdom, and wisdom is prophetic. Akili ni mali, a Swahili expression says.” I might be biased. But reading, dear reader, increases your comprehension, as the content you consume will boost your mental stimulation. 14 | THE016 APRIL/MAY 2021
But beyond that, it enhances your vocabulary and better your analytical and thinking skills, which will consequently save you from ignorance and the banana skin of saying foolish things on social media, during radio interviews, etc. Knowledge is power, remember? Read every day. If you used to be a reader and no longer are, start small with the The 016 Magazine – and with books by local authors, including but not limited to; Karabo Nkoli, Ntate Tshehla Mosia, Lerato Thabe, Nkosi Moremoholo, Khanyisile Galela, Teboho Moholoane and the now no more Xoli Nosenga. Two pages daily. Three pages. Ten pages. Your brain will thank you. Deal? Great. Happy World Book Day! * Tumelo Khoza Ka Phahla is an author of Enough of No Hope and UnABC. He is a Vaal based author who always strives to encourage others to read.
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COVER STORY
A NEW GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS Meet Mpumelelo Mafunda. He is the CEO and Founder of Chicken dust ya Mpumelelo which is the most talked about chicken dust in the Vaal. This is his story.
Mpumelelo Mafunda is a self-starter. Born and raised in Zone 10 Ext 3, Mafunda is now the proud CEO and Founder of Chicken Dust ya Mpumelelo. With an NQF Level 6 in Marketing Management and a Certificate in Call Centre and Computer Science in hand, Mafunda could’ve easily applied for jobs in the corporate space but instead he decided to start his own business. Once Mafunda Enterprise was registered, the journey to Chicken dust ya Mpumelelo began. “ When everyone was advised to stay home, I started a business”. 16 | THE016 APRIL/MAY 2021
Analysing the market you are trying to infiltrate is crucial to the growth and success of any business which is why Mafunda spent time researching what he could offer his audience. He thought‘ Why not Chicken dust?’. “ When starting a business, what most people miss is the fact that we are in a township. As much as you may want to modernise things, remember who your audience is and what they spend their money on”. Mafunda added a special sauce to his chicken which he believes is the main reason why his audience fins his chicken irresistible.
Just like any business, Mafunda has had his fair share of challenges. “ The climate has been my number one challenge because right now I don’t have proper shelter [should it rain] but I am currently working towards resolving that”. I have a lot of customers that use public transport. Some walk to my container. It’s efficient for those who have cars but rain is problematic for me because I can’t work when it rains. Mafunda’s customers use public transport, while some walk to his container. Those who have cars aren’t affected as much but rain becomes problematic for him because he can’t work when it rains. Another challenge Mafunda faces is working not too far from a place that used to be a dumping site. “ When I got here, that specific area was a dumping site”. He’s been in strong talks with the Emfuleni municipality since the inception of his business (June last year) for the area to be
cleaned. Mafunda wanted to host a Vaal entrepreneurs’ exhibition in December last year at the location of my business which couldn’t happen because of how bad the littering had become. “As much as the place has been cleaned now, the public still dump there. Most times I have to chase them away myself ”. He explains that the naming of his business came as a result of his audience. “ Whenever people would buy my Chicken dust, they would say they ke Chicken bust ya Mpumelelo, so I decided to use that name because it best represented what I do”. Each plate costs R40.00 which consists of pap, a salad and the most talked about Chicken dust in the Vaal. Mafunda uses a full chicken which he cuts into customer’s preferred pieces.
ey, you also have to learn to control your temper once you get a customer who thinks they are right. It’s not easy but it pays off once you see yourself growing”. Mafunda is off on Sundays. He uses the time to socialise, attend people’s events and network. Following your dreams: “If you have a dream, chase it. Don’t hesitate” “ This was never my dream. I have a qualification. I anticipated seeing myself having a corner spot or a cubicle working. I saw myself being employed. It was tough but I couldn’t sit there and complain because I hate complaining so I decided to go for it”. As confident as he is on Facebook, Mafunda says self-motivation helped him a lot, especially on difficult days.
Entrepreneurship “I would say the most important part of being an entrepreneur is being disciplined. Not just in terms of managing monTHE016 APRIL/MAY 2021 | 17
“Self-motivation is something I need to have because I never had a mentor when I started my business. Not every day is a business day. You won’t make sales every day. That’s where people lose the plot. Once they don’t see customers, they think their business has failed. I never get tired of promoting my craft. Not a day goes by without me posting amount my Chicken dust and my audience have gotten used to it. Consistency is key”. Mafunda says it is important to learn from others. “Chicken dust was there before me; it still is there now and it will be there after me but look at how I’ve been driving it. Learn from me and make it your own”. Keeping good company Having friends who support what you do is important. They might not buy you but they could at least help promote your business. However, one has to remember that people don’t owe you anything. Entrepreneurs should refrain from being entitled. If you are offer18 | THE016 APRIL/MAY 2021
ing a product or service that is satisfactory to your audience, the marketing will take care of itself and that’s when you’ll be able to measure the success of your business. Mafunda says he and his friends speak life into their future plans. “I was the first person amongst my friends to register a business. It was registered in 2019. Two of my friends own an IT company which I am very proud of. When we meet, we talk about future plans. We speak life into things that have not happened yet”.
stickers became a hit with my customers”. Business talk on a Tuesday night “ This one time I went live on Facebook. I was talking about starting small with what you have, I was advising the upcoming generation of entrepreneurs and that’s when a friend by the name of Thabo Nandra Thakhuli suggested that I host such live videos once a week. He then compiled a flyer for me. He ended up being our very first guest. Every Tuesday night I have talks with pioneers from different industries. I’ve hosted Packaging Precious Cargo, Shape “I started with a logo. I Café, HR, Sound Producwanted something that tion, Atlehang handicrafts could stand out so I got and we’re planning to into contact with a guy host more in Season 2”. from Limpopo who I met Container transformation online. He sent me three “Making deliveries to cussamples and I chose one. tomers resulted in a battle I paid him and he sent me between me and time. I the logo. can’t be in many places Mafunda uses foam pack at the same time so now I for the packaging of his can be found at my beaufood. tiful container”. “My first batch of stickers were too big; they almost covered the entire foam pack so I had them resized. That’s when the
“I can say it’s beautiful now. It used to look horrible, I wanted to use a colour that would stand out and grab people’s attention. I love my container now. Sometimes it’s not about the image, it’s about what you sell. You’ll work on the image as time goes by. Stay focused on what you are selling”. Growing the Vaal “We need to make sure that we grow the Vaal since it is a small industry. We need to promote entrepreneurship. If you have a business idea, push it. If you can help
someone grow their business, help them”. Itumeleng Hlapane from Shape Cafe used to say “If you can help someone, help them”. Socials: Facebook: Mpumelelo Mafunda I have a page on Facebook: Chicken Dust ya Mpumelelo Business numbers will be made available soon
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PANTSULA LA JAM
FEATURE
Gontse Selaocoe is a 22-year-old from Orange Farm. He is a young farmer, agro-processor and an entrepreneur. He is also known as Pantsula la Jam. I caught up with him to find out all about his jam business.
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ow did your jam business come about? I was inspired by my grandparents as I used to go to the garden with my grandfather at an early age to farm vegetables. He is still my inspiration as I’m working with him and getting motivation from him. My grandmother inspired me with her cooking skills. Her mother-in-law taught her how to cook jam. When we used to harvest tomatoes and yellow melons, she would make jam for my family. Then after my matric in 2019 I decided to start my own jam business. I saw it as a great business opportunity that I would take and push with my vision of kasi lifestyle “Pantsula culture”. How did you decide on the flavours of your jam? The tomato and melon flavours have always been a family recipe and I introduced Pear and Peach as I wanted
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to expand my business. How has your business journey since you started? It has been a very challenging journey with betrayals, happiness and achievements.
and assistance I’ve been receiving from them. As well as the people who do great things out there. They keep on motivating me.
The journey of an entrepreneur comes with a You’re a dancer who is lot of challenges. Which also an entrepreneur. challenges have you Why is important for you faced? to be both? have faced challenges I was a Pantsula since at the place that where high school, and peoI plant my products. My ple used talk bad about crops have been stolen the Pantsula culture. I’ve from my garden on more been known as a Pantsu- than one occasion. la for more than 7 years Also, the place I use as a now. work space to produce I didn’t want to leave the jam is too small so my originality of being I don’t have enough a Pantsula behind and space to store my jam that how the name of after production as well “Pantsula la Jam” came as my products after harand it was also going to vest. be an easy way for me to promote the product with what I was known for. What has kept you going on tough days? My grandparents and parents have kept me going with the support
What advice would you give to young aspiring entrepreneurs? would advise young aspiring entrepreneurs to keep on working hard and they should stay focused. We as young people always get negative words from peers and that should drag you down but it should build you instead. How has your audience/customers received your products? My customers are so happy about the Jam that All Day Jam sells, because most of the flavours that we offer and our jam has limited sugar to accommodate everyone. How much does each container of jam cost? Each bottle of jam (500g bottle) cost R30 and next month end it will cost R35. Socials: Business WhatsApp: 061 415 7704 Facebook: All Day Jam Instagram: alldayjam_sa Twitter: @AllDayJam
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FEATURE
TREAT YOUR SWEET TOOTH
Segomotso Serero Moeti is a 32-year-old mother of two kids. She is a Journalism graduate, radio lover, writer, an entrepreneur and an aspiring social worker. She was recently bitten by the entrepreneurship bug.
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ell me about your business. The business is called Sweet Creations And More. It’s confectionery business specialising in cakes of any occasion, party/gift packs and platters.
Two years later I found myself baking again. However, I only did work for family, close friends and people who knew my work. I was unstoppable after that.
What obstacles did you face when you started Why cakes? your business? Funny thing is that I don’t Wow! I guess there are even eat cakes. I started endless obstacles in a working in a home indus- business. I struggled with try shop in 2013, that’s space. I had to work where I fell in love with from home, I had to rent baking. I only loved the bakeries which crippled art part of it and not the me financially so I decidbaking part but as the ed to give the business to years went by, I eventusomeone else until I was ally loved everything and back on my feet. Started enjoyed it. I still saw it as working from home and a hobby though until I slowly but surely, I am looked at it from a busigetting there. ness perspective. Then there’s getting exMy bosses relocated, I tra hands to help which gave birth and I had to not once but twice stop everything I was has been an obstacle doing then to focus on that I am not sure I can my daughter as she was bounce back from. I born preterm with health guess entrusting somecomplications. one with your vision will always end in tears be-
cause we are not of the same vision. For some it’s just the money while for me it’s a hobby that ended up as a business. I love what I do and I love the people who love what I do and I respect everything about this art. Having someone else who doesn’t fully understand what I am trying to achieve is by far the worst obstacle Did you have a mentor or did you find your way as you went. Honestly, I never had a mentor. I found my way as I went. I always knew I am artistically gifted and my love for the arts got me this far. I went and did short causes to perfect this art. The response I always got from my c ustomers honestly played a very significant part in me and the business.
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Being part of the S.A Bakers Association is a place I could say I eventually found mentors.
single day because it can really get that bad as people are not the same.
Does having a social Is learning how to run media presence help a business important your business? or does it depend on Definitely helps to have what resources are cur- a social presence to rently available for you boost the business. as a small business? That’s how most peoDefinitely. Learning ple get to know about how to run a business is what I do. But one must very important. For me also be really careful it started as a hobby as such presence can and for me to call it a also break you. business I had to learn so much from drawing What advice would a business plan, etc. I you give to aspiring almost gave up. It all bakers? became all too much Learn with passion. for me but the fighter Write down everything in me fought. I learned related to baking that and I am still learning. comes along your way. When there is time, do What has been the big- tests on your recipes. gest lesson your busiHave basic knowledge ness has taught you? of business manageThe biggest lesson has ment. to be patience. I am Have basic knowledge naturally a very impaof financial managetient person but now ment. I am totally different. Have knowledge of The work I do requires food law and regulaone to be patient with tions. every cake that is. One Love what you do. also needs patience Smile when dealing with different people every 24 | THE016 APRIL/MAY 2021
What’s your price range and where can people follow your work should they wish to purchase a cake? My cakes Range from R495.
Socials FacebookSweet Creations And More My personal pageSegomotso Motso
HEALTH/FITNESS
LET’S GET SWEATING Boda Mtimkulu is a health and fitness professional, a personal trainer and a wellness coach. Mtimkulu aims to ensure that people know and understand their bodies by educating them about how they can take care of themselves.
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hat inspired you to go into entrepreneurship? (CB Health and Fitness) My passion and talent are what inspired me despite coaching playing a huge role in my life. I saw a gap and a lack of knowledge within the society, which was when I knew that I had to serve my purpose in a form of helping people. What services are offered at CB Health and Fitness Consultancy? We offer the following: - Personal training - Group training - Weight management coaching - Reflex - Next level bootcamps - Wellness programs for corporates - Swimming lessons - Fitness and conditioning for all sports codes - Injury recovery
mental illnesses. The first rule of thumb is to always remember to condition your mind before conditioning your body. Once that is accomplished things such as commitment, discipline, excitement and releasing your frustrations will follow as your get into the routine of keeping fit and it will be fun as you will now be taking charge of your life. Depression manifests physically by causing What impact does keep- disturbed sleep, reduced ing fit have on the mind? energy, appetite changEspecially with the youth es, body aches, and who are faced with unincreased pain percepemployment which leads tion, all of which can to depression and other result in less motivation to
exercise. It’s a hard cycle to break, but I say getting up and moving just a little bit will help. Start with five minutes a day of walking or any activity you enjoy. Soon, five minutes of activity will become 10, and 10 will become 15. However, it is unclear how long you need to exercise, or how intensely, before your nerve cells improvement begins alleviating depression symptoms. You should begin to feel better a few weeks after you begin exercising. But this is a long-term treatment, not a onetime fix. THE016 APRIL/MAY 2021 | 25
Pick something you can sustain over time. The key is to make it something you like and something that you’ll want to keep doing, so we basically train your perspective in a different direction/ channel.
As a health and fitness professional, what would you say are common mistakes people make when starting to work out? E.g., not having a balanced diet to accommodate their new gym routine. Most common mistakes What sort of exercise people do is not warmroutine would you rec- ing up before starting ommend to people any type of exercise or who are starting out program. Not underand are without gym standing the type of equipment? eating plan they should Body weight exercise is follow, and not working what I normally recom- around what the body mend for starters, you or cardiovascular syscan also get a free pro- tem can withstand. gram on my Facebook page. It is designed for What is the importance home workouts which of bootcamps? (Kindrequires no equipment ly include the types of exercises people can What is the difference expect such as HIIT between exercising to workouts. lose weight versus ton- Creating awareness ing up? around fitness and Losing weight exercise health is the first importare mostly higher inten- ant key followed by the sity compared to tonfun and sweat. ing, there’s quite few We mostly do body factors and elements weight exercises which one needs to underrequire no equipment stand before undermore essentially in the going into a program, current pandemic such toning usually is high as body weight squats, reps that target a spe- lunges, jumping Jack’s cific muscle group. and core exercises, 26 | THE016 APRIL/MAY 2021
also including drills that helps with flexibility etc. What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like exercising? I believe in discipline more than motivation, because one can lack motivation on several occasions but discipline carries you through the process. Regardless of how you feel but discipline will always be tested. Therefore, discipline keeps me motivated. How can the public get hold of your company should they require your services? Facebook page: Coach_boda Instagram: Boda_luv Whatsapp: 0840435630 Our website is currently under construction with the new management.
VAAL RADIO PERSONALITIES You listen and interact with them when you’re tuned into your favourite show. Now you get to see them. This new feature will put faces on the voices you listen to on a daily basis. For this issue, we will be taking a closer look into Thuso Clement who is a presenter at LekoaFM. Name and surname: Thuso Clement. Radio station: LekoaFM Name of show and times: 016 Evolution, 3-6 on Saturdays Aim of the show: The show is a Weekend Afternoon Drive. Patriotic to the Vaal Triangle and seeks to promote entrepreneurship and leadership amongst the youth. How long has he been presenting at LekoaFM: 3 years. Socials: Facebook: ThusoClement_OnRadio, Insta: @ThusoClement_Radio, Twitter:ThusoCelementM1
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