Bra Steve does swimmingly well
GRAAFF-REINET - After losing his job as a waiter at the
Drosty Hotel, Umasizakhe born entrepreneur Steven Mthembu vowed not to fold his arms and wait for a miracle to happen.
With a small budget of R350, received from the social relief grant, he decided to pursue his passion through his chosen venture “Bra Steve” - as he is affectionately known. He started his car wash in August 2020 after a short stint as a taxi driver for the local taxi association.
Today, @ the Point Car Wash (Echaphazeni) is one year old and is making great strides in becoming a major competitor in the local car wash market. Mthembu says he started the business from scratch.
He used the little money he received from the social relief grant to acquire a few basic materials.
With unemployment and job losses the majority of young men and women face in Umasizakhe township, this situation is even made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic that continues to ravage the local economy.
Small business owners got two options in these turbulent times; sink or swim. Mthembu opted to swim as he identified a gap in the market in his community and pursued his passion to change his circumstances.
@the Point Car Wash also plans to start a Shisanyama, a bring-and-braai division that aims at entertaining clients while waiting to be served.
Its client base is increasing because it accommodates all races and classes across Graaff-Reinet and visitors to the town attending funerals and other cultural services.
With the high unemployment rate in the townships initiatives like these ensure that people survive during these times.
Mthembu’s has a message to community members, “People should not always wait until they have money to do what they love. ”