A donation of mobile containers by the global mobile brand, itel, is helping small business owners to start up, grow as well as create employment opportunities for others in their communities.

Ask any entrepreneur, and they will tell you that creating opportunities for others is one of their biggest rewards.

Particularly with the high unemployment rate at a record high of 34.4%. Job creation brings a sense of accomplishment for business owners as they can make the world a better place for others.

Ignetious Kgomo, a 43-year-old pastor and businessman from Tembisa in Johannesburg, believes it is the responsibility of those in a position to do so, to help empower those who cannot help themselves if they are in a position to do so.

Since 2015, Kgomo has managed to deliver food parcels to communities on behalf of the South African National Defence Force in Pretoria.

“When you become a business owner, you generate income for your own family, but it also enables other people to put something on the table,” he says.

Now, thanks to the global mobile brand, itel, the father of two teenage children can add to his roster of employees.

Kgomo recently took ownership of a mobile shipping container donated by itel in Tembisa, as part of its programme to empower township traders around South Africa.

As part of the itel “My story” campaign, which celebrated Heritage month by allowing ordinary South Africans to tell their stories of triumph over adversity, part of the response was providing opportunities of empowerment through entrepreneurship.

“We believe that for the country to reduce the record of the unemployment rate of 34.4%, small business owners need to be afforded support through the provision of proper infrastructure and skills,” says Zikona Captain, PR Manager of itel Mobile SA.

The containers give entrepreneurs a solid and visible base of operations for their businesses, with each customised to the needs of the specific trade. Each is fully equipped with electricity, a steady water supply and plumbing.

Kgomo, says he now has an employee working full-time from the container. “We have managed to create a job opportunity for someone. This container also allows us to do things we have not done before.

Kgomo is living proof that a will to succeed can lead to people owning their businesses. Of course, there will be trials along the way, but with the right attitude, anyone can start to trade, he says.

“You can start small, as long as you have intention. Young people should have that desire. Even when things are not working out, you should still have passion.”

In Cosmos City, 33-year-old Michael Tsime, who offers quarters, chicken, rice and maize meal as well as household cleaning products to the community, is taking a leaf out of the book of Italtile chair Giovanni Ravazzotti, his role model.

The container donated by itel, however, is making a world of difference to other aspects of his business.

“It’s actually wonderful. My container is secure. I used to knock off at 17hrs, now I can work until 19hrs or 20hrs because my container is secure. This container is going to grow my business and allow me to employ more people,” concludes Tsime.

Another Cosmos City resident who is just starting out on her business journey is Sara Maake, a 31-year-old mother of two.

Even at school, she knew that she wanted to be a businesswoman one day.

“I am so excited to get my container from itel, I can already see my dreams coming true as a businesswoman. I am going to be selling russian, sausages, and chips from my container,” she says.

PR Manager of itel SA, Zikona Captain believes the containers can help entrepreneurs to start businesses that will empower them, their families and their communities.

Source: Global South Africans Network