Rural life and business versatility

Businesspeople/friends, imparted in me the mind of being self-reliant and deployed, instead of looking to someone else to employ me and support my livelihood.
— Thandekile

I started a business because I do not like to be dependent. I hate asking for things, getting into business relieves me of that, and assists me in not being a burden to others. I was first introduced to the business by my father-in-law, may his soul rest in peace. He took pleasure in teaching me the ropes in the shop and introducing me to other businesspeople/friends, who imparted in me the mind of being self-reliant and deployed, instead of looking to someone else to employ me and support my livelihood. It was his greatest wish that I need not work but be self-employed. I have maintained that, and I have grown so much. They inspired me greatly.

I have also learnt immensely the beauty of relationships. I am well connected to my community because of the service I provide for them.
— Thandekile

I run a rural grocery store, from which I have learned a lot of virtues that are valuable in business. Running the store teaches me customer service, and how to best handle different people and their personalities. I learn how to best respond to what people need and make an effort to provide for those needs. I have also learned immensely about the beauty of relationships. I am well connected to my community because of the service I provide for them. When I need a car to rush me to stock for the shop, for example, I get help from the community.

I started animal husbandry (pigs) as well. I sell the piglets and the pigs for slaughter. In the case that the grown pigs do not get bought, I slaughter them and sell the meat instead. I also provide the mobile money service in the area. The good thing about mobile money is that it has a commission, which I use to buy pig food. Life demands that one becomes versatile. Even more so when you are not in paid employment. In 1.5-2years I will be owning my car. I am going far; I need a car to handle everything. I always need to hire a van when I stock for the shop, or when buying pig food. It tends to be a bit expensive, compared to buying fuel. The countdown begins, and there is no telling where this is going to go.

For young people in the country, it is unfortunate that education has been perceived as an identity, instead of a passage to new perspectives. This is a wrong mentality. You are more than your certificate. Do more, do something else. Learn from those who have gone before you. Be willing to try new things, to change, to adapt. Graduates have certificates, and they do not try other means of living outside of the certificates, yet there is high unemployment. Think for yourself. It is your life.

 

I am an eagle. On stormy days, the eagle stays put; on top of the storm; it is propelled by it. On hot days, the eagle stays put again, on the high rocks. Come rain, storm, or sunshine, I stay put. I have the patience to wait until the storm is over; I rise, and I study the wind waves from above. I am aware that life’s storms are quite like the tides in the ocean. The higher the tide, the more there are waves underneath it. I stay ready for all of them. The good news is that they are just that, tides. They are not meant to be permanent; they pass. Do not be swept away by them, RISE and hover above. The eagle never reduces itself to the level of the storm. I am that bird; I am an eagle.

There is power in silence
— Thandekile

The eagle does not have to make a noise, and yes it does not. There is power in silence, play your cards close to your chest, and you will always have the upper hand. I am a winner. It does not matter what I come across in my life, I am always stronger than it. As the Lord gives the eagle power and majesty over the atmosphere, so has He given me power over seasons I come across in life. I am a mother of 5; 3 girls and 2 boys. I am raising my children, that is the most important thing for me. Being wise as a mother, in how I remain strong for them, and engaging in business to provide for them, is the greatest gift I could ask for.

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The elderly in rural livelihood

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Handicrafts and love