This Kota maker does not loaf

GEORGE - A young man from Lawaaikamp, Sipho Jacobs (25), has shown that the toughest of times bring out the best in those with the will to succeed.

Just two months after the hard Covid-19 lockdown was imposed last year, Jacobs decided to break the economic mould and start a business.

Jacobs, an avid soccer player who was part of the Black Cats FC team that played in the ABC Motsepe League WC a few years ago, does not like to be idle.

So, on 19 June 2020 he opened the doors of his very own Kota sandwich shop, The Best Kota, in his garage at home with just R350 to cover start-up costs. And he has never looked back - once customers taste his Kota, they come back for more. Kota, a satisfying type of sandwich, is derived from the word "quarter", named after the quarter loaf of bread that is the base of the dish. The bread is hollowed out, filled with a layer of 'slap tjips', and topped with optional layers of sauce, cheese, egg, and meat.

Jacobs always wanted to own a business and leave a legacy.

Sipho Jacobs prepares Kotas for his customers. "The high level of unemployment in our community pushed me to stand up and start a successful business. As it grows, I will be able to offer more people jobs and empower members of the community," he says.

He encourages other young people to also get out there and do their own thing. "There are many opportunities in South Africa. Get off the street corners and out of your comfort zones. Do something!"

He says it's about deciding to be brave. "If you are dedicated, determined, disciplined and have the desire to succeed, all of us can make it in life."