HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR AYOB
It isn't a moment too soon to praise one of the hardest
working businessmen in Cato Manor. Ayob Khan has passed
the test of time. His business has grown in stature thanks
to hanging in there when the going was tough.
In 1994 he was trading under a tree at the corner of Tanda
and New Dunbar Roads selling fruit and vegetables. Determined
tomake it, he moved to a 100-year-old building on Bellair
Road and operated a supermarket. Though his supermarket
at Bhanabhai's is flourishing now, it hasn't always been
easy sailing.
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"When I first
moved into the supermarket, crime was rampant. I have been
stabbed and shot at on many occasions. Just recently I had
to go for surgery to reconstruct my hand.
"Each time I was able to forgive the culprits because
I was aware of the underlying factors. I have just become
a homeowner and I have always had faith that this place will
grow and many economic opportunities will be made available.
Thank goodness that is now a thing of the past. The concerted
effort to fight crime has paid dividends and more and more
people are being formally housed," said Ayob.
Today Ayob is a driving force in the development of small
businesses in the area. He serves on the Cato Manor Community
Organisation's economic development sub-committee.
"I am an experienced businessman and I have built a good
relationship with the suppliers, so I hope I will be able
to assist informal businesses in Cato Manor to grow and become
formal businesses," said Ayob.
Perhaps his perseverance has paid off at last. Ayob is ready
to move into a 500m2 supermarket at the new Shopping Complex
along Bellair Road which is due for opening in April 2000.
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LINDI'S FASHION HOUSE
Self-taught dressmaker
Lindi Zuma from Wiggins Fast Track East has set up a small
but thriving dressmaking business. On a good day Lindi makes
five dresses. She also makes children's clothing and other
fashionable clothing like pedal pusher shirts, and jeans at
reasonable prices.
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Lindi works in the
small confines of her home and employs three people. For further
details she can be contacted at 2098 at the Wiggins Fast Track
at Tel. 261 2247
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NTOMBI'S DESIGNER WEAR
Florence Ntombi Mnguni
from Cato Crest is a very dedicated person. She makes boys
clothes, cargo pants and mercerised cotton shirts which are
popular these days. Florence works alone in her spare room.
She can be contacted at CC1526 Area 4 at Cato Crest or phone
her at 567 1108 and ask for her son, Sipho.
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SIYATHUTHUKA SEWING CLUB
It all started
a year ago when Mazenod Development Programme was launched.
A group of women volunteered themselves for training.
Some fell by the wayside, some continued. Some went
to open their own businesses. Others formed sewing clubs.
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Siyathuthuka
is one such group. Siyathuthuka is fortunate because
they were offered space at the Cato Manor Technical
College. The space comes complete with sewing machines.
But Siyathuthuka members have to contribute money to
buy materials. They make all types of clothing ranging
from uniforms to duvet covers.
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PHUMZILE'S LINENS
Dedicated Phumzile Ngcobo
produces a unique line of clothing, as well as linen, like
duvets, comforters and cushions. Phumzile uses her lounge
as her workplace. Because she wants to learn more, she is
continuing with sewing lessons. She can be contacted at CC
2501 Area 2 Cato Crest.
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NZAMA'S CONCRETE BLOCKMAKING
In 1996 Mphangwa Nzama
was part of a collective that was known as Chesterville Blockmakers
cc. Members dropped out to seek formal employment for financial
security. But not Nzama. He hung on for two reasons. Because
it felt good to make his own money and because he was too
old for formal employment. Today he employees four others
in his block making yard in Chesterville at the Roman Catholic
site. Together they produce more than 300 blocks a day. Life
for the old man is not rosy though. Lack of transport is forcing
him to sell his blocks cheaper.
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