This is the inaugural article of a series of articles we intend to publish about some of the members of Xhantela. We hope to feature the everyday heroes who provide for their extended families through the hard slog of entrepreneurship in the Kasi (previously disadvantaged urban areas).
Ma Niria Kibane is a mother, a grandmother, a matriarch and an entrepreneur. She has been running her shop in Walter Sisulu Square since 2002 when she moved to Soweto from Roodepoort. After a career of more than a decade as a domestic worker, Ma Niria decided to try her hand at entrepreneurship.
Her table displays a selection of items including waslap (dish cloths), face clothes, doek (head cloths), a selection of men’s and women’s underwear as well as socks.
What always strikes me speaking to Ma Niria is her soft-spoken nature and humility. “How are you, my darling?” she always greets me. Her calm demeanour projects a confidence that nothing will be able to unsettle. When asked whether she prefers life as an entrepreneur or being formally employed as a domestic worker, she responds without hesitation: “I prefer my shop.” Entrepreneurship in the Kasi is a lifestyle choice for her, not a move of desperation.
As a widow, Ma Niria raised 4 children paying for all their expenses with the proceeds of her business. She now plays an active role in raising her 12 grandchildren. “We are 10 people in my house, but luckily my children also contribute financially.”
As a Xhantela member since 2012, Ma Niria expresses great
gratitude for what Xhantela has done for her business. “Xhantela really helps
me to manage my cash flow. It helps me to ensure that I have the necessary
stock in the business regardless of the ups and downs of the economy.”
Entrepreneurs like Ma Niria form the backbone of the Kasi economy.
Thank you, Ma Niria for what you mean to your family and community. We salute
you.
Credit to Shorne Figlan of Shornespear Photography for the amazing photos featured in this series.