After years of struggling to secure stable employment following her graduation, Tsholofelo Moeng, along with two other graduates from North West, has taken a bold step into entrepreneurship. Moeng, who graduated from Tshwane University of Technology in 2016, faced the harsh reality of a job market that failed to deliver opportunities despite her academic qualifications. Like many other graduates, she found herself grappling with the disappointment of job rejections and the mounting pressure of financial instability. Instead of succumbing to frustration, Moeng and her two partners decided to turn their passion and resourcefulness into a business venture.
In the heart of Tshing village, Ventersdorp, the trio began a laundry business, aiming to fill a gap in the local market while using their skills and determination to create their own livelihoods. The decision to start a laundry service was born from practical thinking – they realized that with minimal startup costs, they could use the space available to them and tap into a service many in their community needed but couldn’t easily access. “Just use what you have,” Moeng shared, reflecting on how the trio relied on their existing resources and creativity to launch their venture. With no grand capital to start, they utilized their savings and the support of their families to invest in the basic equipment required for the business.
The path to entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. Despite the absence of initial investment, the trio embraced the power of community and word-of-mouth marketing to attract clients. Over time, their hard work began to pay off as they expanded their clientele, proving that perseverance and determination could lead to success even without the luxury of financial backing. The trio’s laundry service has now become a dependable business for local residents, many of whom rely on it for quality and affordable laundry services.
Their story is one of resilience and innovation, and it serves as an inspiration to many unemployed graduates facing similar struggles. Moeng, who once dreamed of securing a desk job, now finds fulfillment in creating employment and providing a valuable service to her community. The journey hasn’t been easy, but the sense of accomplishment and independence that comes with building a business from the ground up has been worth every challenge they faced.
Looking ahead, Moeng and her partners have plans to grow their business and expand into other service areas. Their success story is a testament to the power of thinking outside the box and making use of available resources. They are living proof that with passion, determination, and a willingness to adapt, anyone can overcome the odds and create opportunities where none seem to exist.
