Sandile Maphumulo is the founder of the Ekuphumuleni Fast Food business, which was established in 2021. The business operates in a yellow container at the entrance of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Indumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg. The business operates in a yellow container located in Pietermaritzburg at the entrance of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Indumiso Campus. Maphumulo is originally from Ladysmith, but he has spent the last four years living in Pietermaritzburg, Imbali neighbourhood while pursuing his undergraduate Diploma in Accounting at DUT Riverside Campus.
“Staying at home for a long period of time doing nothing inspired me to start this business. I decided to take a leap of faith and started my business while studying for my Diploma. The idea was to have something that will keep me busy and have a source of income. I saved my stipend money from NSFAS and used it as capital to start the business. At Ekuphumuleni, we offer a variety of food on the menu which includes kotas, platters, sandwiches, wings, livers and pap, and so on”, he said.
Maphumulo explained that the primary target for this business are students since the goal is to make their lives easier by providing something to eat between lectures as some students attend early classes and leave late from campus. He also added that their services come with a R10 delivery fee on campus.
Maphumulo expressed that the journey to start the business was not easy but through his passion and support from family members he had the courage to start and when looking back today, he is proud for not giving up.
“I had planned to start my business in June 2021, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I lost my brother in April 2021 and had to postpone it in order to assist the family with my savings for his funeral. While I was still in a healing process of losing my brother and trying to save more money, unfortunately, I also lost my father. After the loss of my family members, I suffered a lot and could not even sleep. I lost hope and at the back of my mind, the only thing that was going to keep me going in life was to start this business. When starting this business most of the support I received was from my sisters and nephews and will forever be grateful for having them in my life,” he explained.
Maphumulo also highlighted that he has long-term goals for the business and believes that with dedication, hard work and support, his dreams will be a reality. He also mentioned that he is aware that every business has its challenges and as a country, currently encountering load shedding is an issue, and has purchased a generator to be able to operate during load shedding hours.
When describing how he manages competition since his container is positioned amongst others, Maphumulo confidently responded that there is no better approach to deal with competition than to be dedicated and devote as much time and effort to what one does. He also emphasised that it is significant to stay focused.
Maphumulo advised other young entrepreneurs that in order to be certain of how much profit the business is making and also measure the business progress, it is important to ensure that one is hands-on. He also added that it is better to fail trying than not to try at all.
He indicated that the most important part of making sure that one succeeds in a business is to have a good relationship with one’s employees as well as one’s customers.
“I would like to take this opportunity and thank “Omkhaya” from Mnambithi, DUT students and staff as well as the Pietermaritzburg community for the love and continued support.
Pictured: Sandile Maphumulo
Photographer: Siyabonga Sibiya
Nomvelo Cebekhulu/Zanele Mashaba
