From customer to student to owner, a Paarl entrepreneur's patient journey

Khangelani Mfana with top student Siphokazi Zaku

On a recent winter's afternoon the Thusong Community Center was filled with an excited bustle as 12 youngsters graduated from the Paarl franchise of Silulo Ulutho Technologies, where they had recently completed of an End User Computing course.

The look of pride on each face spoke of the exciting possibilities that education promises. In an emotionally charged ceremony each person received their hard won certificates from Rev Maxwell Miselo, who recognised the effort and commitment they had made. He blessed their goals of reaching their true potential and creating a better future for their families and the community at large.

It is no coincidence that the host of the event was Khangelani Mfana, whose own entrepreneurial journey started similarly. His path to entrepreneurship commenced in 2010 when he entered the local internet café as a polite customer needing to photocopy his identity document. He liked the way people treated him, so a year later he enrolled for a course to grow his IT skills.

Khangelani's ambition stood out. His diligence was noticed and soon enough, Khangelani was job-shadowing his trainer, learning as he watched how tech skills were imparted in action.

When Khangelani was offered the chance to facilitate a class of his own, he leapt at the chance. Not long after, he realised that he had always cherished a deep desire to be his own boss. With grit and determination, Khangelani worked his way up as Programme Facilitator, then Manager within the Silulo Group, and ultimately to where he is now – Franchise Owner.

Hosting his own event for new graduates represented a high point of his life. Offering inspiration and hope to others who know the meaning of frustration is what makes him come alive. He aims to be a good role model for township youth, so shining the light on 12 capable youngsters who are taking their own growth and personal development seriously. Khangelani gains a deep sense of satisfaction from mentoring his students. "I want to contribute to their upliftment," he says. "They are the ones who can build up the country."

Khangelani knows firsthand how valuable mentorship can be. It has impacted positively on his life since his selection to participate in the SAB Foundation Tholoana Programme. This is a significant accomplishment considering that only 46 participants were selected from some 2000 applications, country wide. The Programme provides practical business skills training and personal mentoring aimed at facilitating personal growth and fostering local job creation. His vision remains simple and inspiring: "I want to create a legacy that empowers people to reach their dreams. I want to be a shining example."

For more information about Silulo Ulutho Technologies in Paarl, please contact Khangelani Mfana on 021 868 2322 or 061 970 6985. Email him on khangelani@silulo.com.