Small beginnings, big vision: the story of Njabulo Tembe’s sneaker washing business

DELMAS – Njabulo Tembe, a resident of Delmas Extension 5 where his business is also located, commenced his venture of washing sneakers and carpets on March 12, 2021. For him, initiating this enterprise was a calling from God. He explained the motivation behind starting the business. “I launched this enterprise because I observed that many members of the Delmas community had dirty sneakers. Thus, I perceived a business opportunity in washing these sneakers and earning an income,” he explained. Tembe mentioned that he currently employs one individual, who receives fortnightly wages. He underscores the future objectives of his business. “My aspiration for the future is to establish a large-scale industrial laundry facility where residents of Delmas can launder their clothes and shoes,” he emphasized. Furthermore, he elaborated on the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the shoe washing industry. “The toughest aspect of being an entrepreneur like myself is being accountable for replacing lost sneakers belonging to customers. Additionally, dealing with impatient customers who question the sincerity of my service provision poses a challenge,” he lamented. Tembe asserted that his business is committed to delivering high-quality services on sneakers. Tembe reiterated his stance on never compromising his business’s profitability by borrowing money from others. “I will never allow anyone to belittle my aspirations and vision. Consequently, I refuse to lend business funds to accommodate personal needs, as I firmly believe in keeping business separate from pleasure,” he declared. His admiration is reserved for Patrick Ngoma, an Economics teacher at Phaphamani Secondary School, whom he regards as his role model due to Ngoma’s mentorship during his schooling years, particularly in matters of business.