Artist’s dream to help unemployed through butchery
Starting up a business can be a challenge and doing so during a global pandemic even more so. But for gospel artist and businessman Simthembile Nkunzi, realising his dream of owning a business gave him the courage to push on.
Nkunzi, who previously ran a construction company, opened Inkunzi Meats in March.
The butchery is 100% blackowned and is situated in Devereux Avenue in Vincent, East London.
The Matatiele-born businessman has always had a keen interest in entrepreneurship.
“Over the years, I developed an interest to explore more avenues in the business sector and decided to pursue my business studies in Pretoria at the GIBS Business School and the University of Cape Town,” Nkunzi said.
“Outside the business world, I am a husband, a father of three children, as well as a recording gospel musician.”
Establishing Inkunzi Meats was no easy feat, he said.
“Starting up was challenging, especially since we are facing the Covid19 pandemic; getting capital to buy equipment was quite expensive.
“Also, getting bulk meat from abattoirs was a challenge at the beginning.”
With the country’s statistics revealing a drastic increase in the unemployment rate during the pandemic, Nkunzi also had difficulties in finding skilled labour.
However, he opted to search for unskilled youth in the community and to equip them with the necessary skills.
“We have to provide the youth with employment and get them off the streets; 95% of our staff comprises youth from varies backgrounds,” Nkunzi said.
“However, in the near future we will advertise vacancies for managerial positions which will be beneficial to unemployed graduates of our community.”
He says the butchery gets its supplies from abattoirs around East London, as well as emerging farmers in the Eastern Cape.
“We plan to expand and create more branches of Inkunzi Meats all around the Eastern Cape, and we believe our growth in business will not only benefit us, but many families from various communities through job creation,” Nkunzi said.
“The dream is to bring you fresh, high-quality meat cuts and meat products at competitive prices, while giving you the best service in a pristine environment.”
Customers can place orders by contacting Nkunzi on 043727-5690.
“We can be followed on our social media pages for updates and special offers, Facebook page Inkunzi Meats and Instagram Inkunzi Meats,” he said.