From hard life to hardware superstar
FROM personal assistant to South Africa’s first black female owner of a hardware franchise store.
This is the story of Zamandwandwa “Studo” Shozi, 57, who has defied the odds to progress in the world of business, setting an example for young black entrepreneurs.
From humble beginnings in Hammarsdale KZN, Shozi’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship is truly an inspiring one.
The mother of four is Just Build’s latest franchise owner, after successful negotiations to take over the Sweetwaters-based store.
The hardware sector welcomes Shozi as she becomes the first black female owner of a franchise store in South Africa.
After spending more than two decades as a personal assistant at Msunduzi Municipality, Shozi took a leap of faith and started her own business in the hospitality sector in 2005. Fifteen years later, she is ready to build on her already impressive portfolio, by thrusting herself into the hardware segment.
“I am excited to join the building family. This is a successful business with many years of experience. My team has already learnt a lot and we are ready to take the reins at the Sweetwaters store,” she said.
Shozi becomes the second Just Build franchise owner after Sifiso Mbuyazi took charge of the Hammarsdale store last year.
It has not been an easy passage for Shozi, who grew up in rural Hammarsdale.
“My family battled to make ends meet. My mother sold fruit, fish and magwinyas but somehow we found a way to survive,” Shozi who is also a grandmother of four said.
“I understand the community and the current challenges our people face. I think that strengthens what we can offer at the store.”