WHEN Romeo Makwela (33) and Oupa Sebopa (38) couldn’t find jobs they decided to create work for themselves.
The two friends from Lebowakgomo in Limpopo started a catering business five years ago.
Romeo told Daily Sun that in 2010 he worked in a restaurant for a few months while completing a marketing and management diploma at Tshwane University of Technology.
But after he graduated he couldn’t find work.
“I couldn’t allow myself to be unemployed for too long. So when I came home in 2011 I started selling sweets and snacks in my kasi. I met Oupa, who was also trying to make a living selling snacks. We came up with an idea to start a business together.”
Oupa said it was difficult in the beginning because they didn’t have funding, but with hard work and support from their community their business grew.
Today they own a bakkie and employ 15 people. They provide food from their roadside stall in Lebowakgomo.
Oupa said: “We are proud because this is creating jobs. We’re making a difference in the lives of people who were unemployed. We have five boys who quit smoking nyaope to work with us.”
Itumeleng Mogwale (21) said since he started working with the two, he stopped doing drugs and is saving money to study.
Romeo said their plans include opening restaurants at Lebowakgomo Mall and other villages.
“We need funding to make our business grow.
“We have applied for help from the National Youth Development Agency, but it seems our application was unsuccessful. We would appreciate it if anyone could help us.”
