The saying goes: “Never despise humble beginnings”. This is true for 24-year-old Nonkululeko Zwane who, after a long time of struggling, found her way to success.
Growing up in the humble surroundings of Osizweni, Zwane never believed that she could be successful. “I would be lying if I say that I had dreams of becoming a chef or even owning my own catering company, but life had other plans for me,” said Zwane.
One year after graduating from the University of Zululand with a degree in Information Science, Zwane felt the pressure of being qualified but unemployed.
“I was under a lot of pressure and my mother kept on telling me that I needed to find some sort of employment. Things were not easy. I faced many disappointments, fell into depression and things took a turn for the worst when I found out that I was pregnant and unemployed. That was when I knew that I had to do something to change my life around,” explained Zwane. It was then that Zwane began a small business from home, making and selling chicken wings and fries.
“I began my business with my last R350 in my purse. I did have a few customers, but a painful flashback for me was when certain individuals began mocking and gossiping about me, saying that I was a graduate yet here I am selling chicken wings and chips. This also took a toll on my mental health,” said Zwane.
She recalled times where she wanted to give up because of what other people were saying about her but she kept on going just to make ends meet. Zwane said that after having her baby through a caesarean section and being in recovery, she still woke up every morning at 4am, taking care of her baby and preparing lunch deliveries for her customers.
“It was very difficult but with the help of my parents and my sister, we made each day a productive one,” she said.
After eight long months of selling chicken wings and chips, Zwane took a leap of faith and turned her small business into a catering business and purchased kitchen equipment with her earnings. Her big break came when she received an opportunity from a social market movement which was hosted by Khazin’s Shisanyama in Osizweni.
“I had no sponsors, no financial assistance, everything came from selling wings and chips,” she said. It was after this that many people began taking an interest in this young talent and Thingo Eats and Catering was born. Business quickly picked up and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I went from selling food from my home to owning a fully operational catering business. We even cater for special dietary needs and are in the process of partnering with guest houses in Newcastle to be at their service. We also do Sunday buffets as well as a show called ‘Food Drive for All’ which allows people the opportunity to donate so that we can visit homes in different locations and cook for the vulnerable. We want to give them an experience of a delicious well-cooked meal at least on a monthly basis,” said Zwane.
Zwane offers a glimpse into her recipes on her Facebook page as well as on Newcastle Community Radio.
