…As she encourages emaSwati to venture into business
BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE – “Always remember why you have started what you are doing.”
These were words of encouragement shared by Sebenzile Mabilisa-Khoza, who is self-employed and is the Founder of a mobile boutique called ‘Floh In Boutique’. The hardworking business woman is from Ngwane Park in Manzini and is currently located in Durban.
During an interview with this reporter, Khoza shared how she paved her way into entrepreneurship after having studied Retail Business Management at the Vaal University in South Africa. She stated that she was unemployed for over two and a half years which was what inspired her to venture into business.
“After completing my studies at the Vaal University and my internship at the Department of Sports in Mbombela, South Africa, I was unemployed for over two and a half years. It was then that I started looking into what I could do to earn a living. I started by selling chilli, but realised that was slow. I then explored the business of selling clothes and I have not looked back ever since,” said Mabilisa.
The business woman explained how she did not let the high rates of unemployment bring her down and went on to encourage other emaSwati to look into different and honest ways of making a living, just as she had done. She mentioned how she has been selling clothes through her business for the past three years and ten months.
“The high rates of unemployment are heart breaking, I will not lie. One does need to have a strong character to enter the space of entrepreneurship. It may not be easy but working towards something makes the whole process worth it. Dedication, commitment and consistency are key. Always remember why you have started what you are doing,” said Mabilisa.
Mabilisa expressed gratitude to all the people who have shown her support through her business as venturing into entrepreneurship has boosted her mental health and kept her sane.
The business woman has also attained a business studies certificate at CTI College in Nelspruit and a Diploma in Human Resource Management at Regent Business School. She stated that she hopes to further her studies and look into Business Administration.
About two weeks ago, this publication also reported on Nothando Mhlanga who explored her passion for baking and started a business, looking into ways to make money.
Currently, His Majesty King Mswati III is exploring ways to mitigate youth unemployment in the country. Just yesterday, the Eswatini Head of State endorsed a National Youth Empowerment Programme, which will address the above mentioned socio-economic issues.
