When life hands you lemons, you can either make lemonade or a wonderful kota. Faith Maringa, who majored in human resource management at Tshwane University of Technology, favors the latter option. Since Maringa established her own business, Dokodela’s Corner, in 2021, it has become a hot topic. While looking for a job in her field, she has been able to provide for herself and help others in need.
Innovative Strategies for Overcoming Unemployment
Unemployment among South African youth is shockingly high, with StatsSA reporting rates of 64% among those aged 15-24 and 42% among those aged 25-34. Maringa took matters into her own hands in the face of these discouraging numbers by starting a thriving business selling kotas, a typical South African sandwich, and chips. The 27-year-old displays remarkable initiative and resourcefulness in the face of stiff competition in the employment market.
Spaza shop owner Maringa says, “The thought of knowing that if I don’t stand up and do something for myself, I will wait for people to give me money, keeps me going.” She can provide for herself and her family with the money from her successful business.
A Brainy Supermodel
In addition to running her own business, Maringa competes in beauty pageants. She was crowned Miss Inspire’s First Princess in 2021, a year in which the competition focused on young leadership and community service. She’s taking part to raise awareness about issues like breast cancer and gender-based violence (GBV), which primarily impact women. Aiding Female Victims of Violence
Maringa’s company may be little now, but she has enormous ambitions for it. She plans to use the money she makes from her Kota enterprise to fund safe houses for women and children who are survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. She says with absolute certainty that growing her business across the whole of South Africa is her top priority. I want to get rich so that I can open a safe house for battered kids and mothers.
Her plans go beyond only making sure people have a secure place to live. Maringa hopes to empower these communities, give them a collective voice, and make South Africa a safer place for women and children.’Kota Lady’ Has a Message for the Youth of Today.
Young South Africans in today’s tight labor market might take heart from Maringa’s experience. She stresses the importance of being creative, proactive, and self-reliant during the job search process. “No one is coming to rescue you,” she told him. “Take charge of your life and make things happen.”
Her story is a living example of the proverb that “faith without works is dead.” Maringa emphasizes the need for faith and prayer, but she also acknowledges the necessity of diligence and perseverance.
The “Kota Lady,” or Faith Maringa, encourages young people in South Africa with her inspiring life story. Her life shows how determination, originality, and an entrepreneurial spirit can help people thrive despite adverse circumstances. Young South Africans have a promising future as long as driven leaders like Maringa remain at the helm.
About The Author: Lunga Dlamini is a journalist specializing in African start-ups and entrepreneurship. Lunga’s fascination with innovative business models and emerging market trends guides his writing. He has an MBA and has been with Africa Nova since its inception.
