Avo Solutions
Thembekile Mathibela, whose name symbolises 'Mafube,' which translates to 'the dawning of a new day' in Sesotho, emerged victorious at the recent Mafube Trade Exhibition Day, winning a R1500 Game shopping voucher. Thembekile, popularly known as Thembi, is among the 20 participants currently on the Livelihood Restoration Entrepreneurship Development programme implemented by Avo Vision in partnership with Mafube Coal Mine. The programme aims to enable resettled beneficiaries of Hlalamnandi and Sikhululiwe Village with entrepreneurial skills.
Mafube Coal Mine has been instrumental in supporting Hlalamnandi and Sikhululiwe families but recognises that the mine’s role cannot be indefinite. By fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency through this programme, Mafube hopes to pave the way for a more secure and independent future for these resettled communities. Thembi, a determined and skilled entrepreneur, launched her baking business in April 2024 after enrolling in the programme. Previously running a small takeaway business, Thembi expanded her business venture to include baking by leveraging her culinary skills and boost her income. Balancing multiple ventures, she also operates a cleaning business, which has been operating for just over a year. “When this programme started, I didn’t think it would turn me into the businesswoman that I am today; a woman who sees any opportunity in a very situation and turn those opportunities into business ventures. It’s not easy but the support that we receive from our mentors and other participants that are in this programme makes me wake up with renewed determination every day,” Thembi adds.
For her vibrant stall and clear business model at the exhibition, Tembi was announced as the first prize winner, something she says she never expected, even though she was able to attract a steady flow of customers at the exhibition.“This prize validates that hard work, long hours and consistency pay off. With the voucher that I won, I am going to buy some of the baking utilities that I currently don’t have so that I can be even more productive and explore my creativity,” the 38-year-old says.
Malusi Khumalo, Avo’s Local Extension Officer and owner of the only butchery in his village, won the third prize at the exhibition. After joining the programme, Malusi started a butchery and is currently the sole provider of fresh meat in his community, eliminating the need for residents to travel to town for their meat needs. “I wouldn’t have started this business if it wasn’t because of the skills and knowledge I gained from this programme. I am now able to provide for my family and can see a bright future after being unemployed for a while now. The exhibition was a great chance to advertise my butchery to the community and connect with new customers,” the 26-year-old says. Malusi says his immediate goal is to purchase a larger fridge to increase storage capacity and branch out to other nearby communities.
Avo Vision Project Manager, Antoinette Mthetwa, says the programme has had a profound impact in these communities because almost all the participants on the programme didn’t have any income before establishing their business. Now, they can support their families without solely depending on government grants. “The exhibition has highlighted the impact that practical livelihood restoration plans can have on community development and that’s what Avo aims to achieve in each community and province that we have a footprint in. I can’t wait to see where these participants will be in the next 6 months or so,” Antoinette explains with pride.
The exhibition was also attended by SRK, a consulting firm that provides services in mining and municipal engineering and the ward councillor, Iddy Mahlangu. The 12-month programme will run until March 2025.
The participants’ success story highlights how local entrepreneurs, with the right skills and support, can make a powerful impact on their livelihoods, families, communities.
Mafube Trade Exhibition Day Prizes
