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It has been a challenging five years for an aspiring ostrich farmer who has been striving to get his big break in serving a niche market and securing a stake in the multi-million-rand industry.

Located in Brits in the North West, Pitso Ostrich Farm run by Kabelo Lekalakala, is now home to 13 indigenous black-neck ostriches.  

The 35-year-old launched his business in 2019, after learning about the bird’s value chain in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, a town renowned for ostrich production and farm tours, where he worked as an Enterprise Development Practitioner.

Lebogang Kgasago, the founder of Leonora Holiday Travel, has set her sights on becoming a household name in the hospitality sector. 

The Tshwane-based online travel agency, which was founded in 2022, has grown from just five employees to a staff complement of 20 in a short space of time. 

“It was just the three of us as the directors of the company- we are all still here - and we had a dream to make our property management company become Africa’s leading travel company,” Kgasago said during a recent interview.

A  passion for computers, information technology, and helping community members acquire computer skills made Richard and Modiehi Montoeli start Richys Training Centre and Technology in Senekal, Free State province. 

The company started as an internet café operating from a rented container. Today, it has grown and provides services that include computer training, tutoring, electronic repairs services, and business administrative and compliance services. The company's establishment was welcomed by the locals, especially young people.

An encounter with a luxury leather travel bag in Cape Town’s Waterfront was enough to birth a leathersmith.

With no formal training, Xolelwa Dwadwa relies on her newly acquired skill to provide her with an income. 

Dwadwa is based in Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg, but is originally from Qoboqobo in the Eastern Cape. She became frustrated when she could not find a job after obtaining an agricultural economics degree from the University of Fort Hare. 

Senior members of society have made invaluable contributions in our lives, as struggle stalwarts, freedom fighters, community activists and our very own family members. They have laid the groundwork for our nation’s development and have been instrumental in shaping our core values.

Dear Vuk’uzenzele 

My name is Kroti Azola. I am from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. I love cooking, especially baking. I need assistance with equipment such as stoves and pots to start my business. I am unemployed and I live with my blind grandfather. 

Warm regards, Kroti Azola
 

REPLY

As we celebrate Social Development Month in October, it is essential to reflect on the remarkable contributions of the Department of Social Development (DSD) over the past 30 years. 

DSD has consistently been a pillar of support during South Africa’s most challenging times, addressing the evolving social landscape and stepping in during moments of crisis to assist vulnerable populations. 

During the transition to democracy, South Africa faced significant political unrest, characterised by violence and social disruptions that left many children orphaned.