A formerly unemployed woman has become a beacon of hope to the jobless and the envy of her community after turning her social grant money into a thriving food business.
Thirty-year-old Ms Atendaho Rafundisani, from Vondwe village outside Thohoyandou, now runs a successful food stall at the busy Matache Crossing. The stall, named Zwiliwani Crossoni Matache, is strategically located at the bustling intersection and has become a popular stop for customers seeking hearty, home-cooked meals.
She serves a variety of meat dishes – excluding pork, mopani worms and fish – accompanied by porridge, salads and soft drinks. Now financially independent, Rafundisani is able to support herself and her family.
A business born out of necessity
"How did it all start? I did a hospitality course at Vhembe TVET College but could not get formal employment on completion. For some time I was receiving my R370 grant and that of my child, but this could not sustain us for the whole month," she explained.
"It was one day while stressed and lamenting, not knowing what to do as the grant money was getting finished before the end of the month that I took my last mielie meal from home and, out of the leftovers from my grant, bought the other needed things and set up a food stall. As you can see, now all is history. I am today running a successful business that is able to take care of my family," she said.
Rafundisani said the journey had not been easy. "After deciding to start the business, I was left with the task of identifying a space where I could set up. Luckily, my aunt, Ms Lufuno Mahada, offered me her stall, which she was no longer using. That was way back in 2023. Though there were challenges, I persevered and worked hard to be where I am today. I am my own boss and the days of waiting for the meagre grant are history," she said.
She now markets her business through social media, where she shares her daily menu.
Recognition and dreams for the future
Her hard work soon caught the attention of SASSA, which flew her and other grant recipients who had started businesses to Cape Town for a business workshop.
"I am very grateful to SASSA. I would not be here if it were not of them. I stand here as a classic example that, with a willing heart, everything is possible. This also shows that it is not a lot of money that can set a person on business. A small amount can take you a long way.
"My future plan is to own a restaurant and employ many people. To the youth I say: do not sit down and wait for handouts, but stand up and do something to uplift yourselves," she said.