Three entrepreneurs pursue their dreams
Newcastle CBD is a hive of businesses, entrepreneurs pursuing a dream of success. Yet, there is a small group of men and women who use their entrepreneurial skills to rise above their situation in everyday live.
Despite facing overwhelming odds, these men and women are a force to be reckoned with. Their mission to create a better world for their families. This is their story.
Themba Thwala, the vendor
Sitting outside the Newcastle Library in Scott Street, Themba keeps a watchful eye over a handful of cars. He sits between two tables with sweets, fruits and chips. Always helping others and never without a smile.
“I have been here for 16 years, starting off as a car guard when I couldn’t find a job. However, I started noticing how some people would walk down the street, looking for snacks.”
He organised a table, buying sweets, chips and fruit. “I took the change I made from watching cars to purchase the items, selling them to passers-by.”
Thus, he successfully created employment for himself, generating a steady income. “I even bought a cellphone which is used as a public phone,” he smiled.
But Themba is not just a mere vendor, he plays an active part in the community. He is often seen helping elderly residents into the library, especially when they are burdened with a lot of books. He cares for those around him and is proudly a Newcastillian.
“I believe if you get angry, people will not understand you. But if you are friendly, people will always give you what they have,” he says.
With this in mind, he urges other budding business people to practice patience. “If someone is short of change, give the item to them. I do it sometimes and the next time the people come back, they always pay back the money they owe.”
For the unemployed, he advises them to never give in. “Do something small, even if you sell loose cigarettes at the taxi rank and use the profits to buy more items. Sell juice in the street during summer, there is always a way,” he concluded.
Arthur Jumbe, the barber
Sitting under a gazebo, the blazing sun beating down. Arthur cleans his clippers, making sure they are clean and ready for his next customer. Yet, he is no ordinary barber.
For the past nine months, Arthur has been cutting men’s hair under a gazebo on Scott Street. “I worked for a factory owner first, but I eventually had to leave. I then decided to come here and start cutting hair.
Armed with clippers, Arthur claims cutting hair and shaving is not as difficult as some would imagine. “It is rather easy, and I really enjoy talking to the people.”
Working tirelessly, Arthur says the main reason he is a barber, is because he is working on his future. “Being able to support my wife and three-year-old daughter keeps me going. Plus, I am from Malawi, and I hope to save enough money to go back with my family,” concluded a joyful Arthur.
David Bayu, former hawker and current store owner
David is a man who in many ways is living the dream. Building himself up from being a street hawker to owning a store in Allen Street.
“I have been running my store for the past two years now, but I started out by selling on the streets.”
The Ethiopian businessman explains his journey first began in 1998. “I was selling clothing next to the old Absa Bank, way before the Hawkers Shelter in Scott Street was created. I worked the streets everyday until the end of 2015.”
Working day in and day out, finally raising enough funds, he secured himself a store. “I really enjoy my work and the way it always changes. Sometimes there are problems with customers and shoplifting, but I love to see people enjoying what I sell and have to offer.”
Being in Newcastle for slightly over 20 years, David believes the community has become his home and he advises upcoming businessmen to show strength.
“Be strong and don’t ever give up. Always work hard, as I work from Sunday to Sunday and I managed to get my store,” he concluded.
People like Themba, Arthur and David are a true inspiration to us all. As they resurrect good values in us all. We salute you guys and with you all the success in the world.
