A Township Entrepreneur’s empowering Journey of Resilience
In a popular culture view of entrepreneurship, glitz and glamour often obscure the true essence. While the media champions global giants, they often come and go with technological cycles. Entrepreneurship is about parents striving for their children’s well-being through hard work and dedication. The spotlight can’t solely be on the superstars; it’s must also feature those who labour in humility. Entrepreneurship is about empowering individuals by providing them with the means to create their own opportunities and shape their destinies.
Businesses can either grow into massive global conglomerates or remain small. Regardless of size, entrepreneurs play a fundamental role in the economy, with a common thread of passion and commitment connecting them all.
Amidst the ebb and flow of economic cycles, the authentic narrative of entrepreneurship surfaces – a tale of unwavering commitment and passion. Similarly, this reality is vividly embodied in Ma Virginia Langa, whose life exemplifies the very core of entrepreneurship. Born into adversity, she transitioned from selling vegetables in her hometown to establishing a shop in Soweto’s Kliptown in 1997.
From Hardship to Triumph: Ma Virginia’s Path
Struggles marked her journey as she left school in grade 7 to aid her family’s financial stability. She started selling vegetables in her local town, quickly realising she could never make a living there.
Her brother had moved to Soweto to work in the mines, so in 1995, she joined him as a domestic worker in the City of Gold. Working hard to send her mother and daughter money back home, she again realised she could not support herself and her family. In 1997, she opened her shop in Kliptown. A lady selling fruit at Walter Sisulu Square gave Ma Virgi space to trade with the understanding that she would sell vegetables and not start to compete on fruit. Starting her own business was a step up.
Xhantela’s Support: An Entrepreneur’s Rock
Trading was good. Only a few people were trading on the square and the surrounding streets; it was also before the big shopping malls came to the townships. New challenges came with the dawn of 2010 – shopping malls and competition reshaped the township trading landscape.
This impact is exemplified by the 2009 upgrade to Walter Sisulu Square. Traders were moved from the sidewalks to allocated trading spaces. Patrolling guards ensured everyone kept to their trading spaces without encroaching on the walkways. After a few months, the guards never showed up again, and new traders took over the original high-traffic areas.
In response, Ma Virgi appointed a lady to her business and took up her old trading position for retail (a higher traffic area) while selling wholesale vegetables to people arranging parties, weddings and funerals.
By 2015, she had joined Xhantela and started building a successful business. Despite facing increased competition, she expanded her product range to include fruit. She supported her four children by paying for their education and providing for them.
Empowering business owners to survive market challenges
2020 was a devastating year for many township businesses. The COVID-19 lockdowns dealt a severe blow to an economy that was booming. As lockdowns lifted and businesses tried to recover, the massive food inflation of 2022/2023 proved another major challenge.
Ma Virginia found a steadfast anchor in her partnership with Xhantela amidst these ongoing changes. When asked what makes her business strong, she humbly answers: “In retail, you can’t say that you are strong. One day the prices [at the supplier] is low; the next day, they double. It’s only because of Xhantela that I can cope with all the [price] fluctuation.”
“Xhantela does so much for me!” she exclaims, emphasising the partnership’s role in maintaining stability amid price fluctuations.
Embracing Resilience: Ma Virginia’s Wisdom
In the face of unpredictability, Ma Virginia’s philosophy shines: She had a firm and definite answer when asked what the most important things are to know in business: “You must know what you want, otherwise you will fall every time. Have passion and discipline! You must have tenacity. Come rain, cold and dark – you have to be out there selling. You also have to be patient. You won’t become rich in a day, but if you keep at your hard work, you can move forward.”
She believes the most important thing is: “Respect your customers. They are your boss. What I have today is because of my customers.”
Empowering Economies: Xhantela’s Impact
Amid economic turmoil and global challenges, Xhantela emerges as a lifeline for Ma Virginia and countless others. In a voice of gratitude, she attests, “This loan isn’t here to destroy me – it is here to build us.” Her sentiment echoes the essence of entrepreneurship – a collaborative journey towards growth.
As we ended the interview, her final words for fellow traders were: “Come to Xhantela. It is stress-free. You can use the money and start making profit before you need to start paying back. You will see your business grow.”
Energising Local Economies: A Tribute to Ma Virginia Langa
Ma Virginia Langa’s story illuminates the unsung heroes of local economies in a world captivated by global giants. Her empowering story and her business symbolises resilience and support, nurturing supply chains and community connections.
Ma Virgi remains a humble entrepreneur who contributes to the economy. Her business supports the farmers, the supply chain at the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, and the kasi-transport industry while being a friendly grocer to dozens of families. A mother, a friend, a shopkeeper – we salute you.