One man’s journey to employment success
THE year of 2020 has been one of inexplicable challenges for many people across the globe but especially closer to home, with unemployment and poverty taking a bigger hit since the pandemic.
But one man provides inspiration for those in similar situations. From not being employable to now being a sales manager at Cape Town’s fastest growing e-commerce grocery service, Zimbabwean-born Tichafara Nerwande’s story is one of hope, perseverance and dedication.
Arriving in Cape Town last year, Nerwande was desperately looking for employment to start his new life.
With years of experience in media marketing and fundraising for NGOs in Zimbabwe, he is highly qualified. However, starting over in a new city is not for the faint-hearted. From knocking on several companies’ doors to approaching well-known retail chains, he struggled to find a job while his savings dwindled.
Through knowledge from family living in the area, he began work as a taxi driver for Home Heroes, a local company that specialises in delivering food and groceries in the CBD. Although grateful for the opportunity, Nerwande struggled to make ends meet. He then started looking for more opportunities where he could apply his expertise.
“When I wasn’t doing deliveries for Home Heroes, I took time in the office to work on freelance projects. I found entrepreneurs who needed assistance with setting up online stores for their products, and did social media management for them. This helped me supplement my income, and get noticed by my boss,” he said.
His then-manager roped him in to help fund-raise for a local sports team, Hout Bay United Football Community, and his results impressed the team, before the pandemic hit and the club was forced to close – but not before partnering with Cape Town’s fastest growing e-commerce service, Yebo Fresh, which provides home deliveries of groceries and food.
He joined as a project manager, and was swiftly promoted to production manager before becoming sales manager. His job now is to analyse the buying patterns of the Yebo Fresh customers, in addition to growing Yebo Fresh’s sales to township businesses and kitchens.
“I am finally back in a position that I feel truly challenges me,” Nerwande said on his new role. “I love studying the buying patterns of different communities and finding out how best to market to them. But what excites me most is working for a company that is growing fast, and growing along with the community. I look forward to how much more I can grow in this position, and seeing the difference it makes in our townships.”
The inspirational growth of Nerwande’s career in South Africa shows what truly is possible when one is resilient and determined to make a success. With Nerwande’s tenacity and perseverance, it is clear the sky’s the limit. |
I’m finally back in a position that I feel truly challenges me Tichafara Nerwande YEBO FRESH SALES MANAGER