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"We wanted to do something meaningful and Fulufhelo and I took a leap of faith with the full knowledge that we would have to work hard to sustain our dream," she explains.
That dream is now vested in their business, Careers for a Powerful You (C4U), a career and learning development consulting firm that supports young learners in making informed post matric career choices.
The 100% black women owned start-up business is receiving enterprise and supplier development support under the Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) incubation model.
CEO of Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) Mark Frankel says the emerging businesses that his organisation supports must show a progressive spirit, must have a sound business plan and must undergo a rigorous selection process.
Frankel recognises that entrepreneurship is not for everyone, but says that an increasing number of young South Africans, facing a rising unemployment rate despite their qualifications, are exploring an entrepreneurial spirit to strike out on their own.
"We see it as part of our job to identify and help those who have what it takes to be a successful business owner," he adds.
Netshitenzhe and Ramulefho, a former management consultant, are candidates that showed potential and were accepted onto the SBU programme.
While they say they are still in the early stages of success, they are certainly gaining support for their core service to young learners in townships and rural areas.
It is in these areas that C4U conducts career guidance that exposes the youth to potential careers and employment, through educational events, roadshows, educational multi-media tools, publications, motivational talks, training and the facilitation of CSI projects.
"Career guidance is not a once-off conversation," says Ramulefho. "It is a collective process that involves everyone, every day, at home, school, and in business."
"When Careers for a Powerful You came on board they had a sketchy strategy, but with constant review and refinement of their strategy, they are now tapping into the corporate market,” says regional manager of SBU in Johannesburg, Phindile Mthethwa.
"They have developed a healthy pipeline of corporates and educational institutions to work with them as they pursue the dream of getting young South Africans to make well-informed career choices.”
C4U has also galvanised some of the SMEs in the Johannesburg SBU incubator to give back – and several of these SMEs donate to some of their projects.
Ramulefho says of her and her partner’s experience with SBU: "We came with just one small dream, but the backing and mentoring from SBU has made it possible. We have been supported, advised and encouraged and we love the level of accountability that truly focuses us."
She said SBU believed in her, at times more than she did in herself, and they helped with the difficult transition from permanent employment to entrepreneurship. This has fuelled their hunger and desire for success.
“We are proud to be associated with such selfless women who left the security of their full time jobs to pursue a noble dream,” says Mthethwa.
About SBU
SBU has provided business incubation and support to some 600 black owned SMEs and helped create over 2 000 jobs in the past five years. Its work is supported by the dedication of volunteer mentors and an expanding donor community – both individual and corporate.
SBU runs eight incubators around the country, providing enterprise and supplier development support to 100% black owned start-up businesses.
These businesses receive office space in the incubator, assistance in bookkeeping and compliance measures, mentoring and access to networks and financing.
