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Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit through coffee

October 4, 2024
A young woman poses outside a taxi stand handing goods from her coffee business to a male customer.
Sindisiwe Mabophe running her barista business at the Nomzamo taxi stand. Credit: Ntombifuthi Stena/Western Cape IES District

In South Africa, young people struggle with the harsh reality of a 45% youth unemployment rate. Sindisiwe Mabophe, a 22-year-old from Nomzamo Strand, Western Cape was one of these people. Despite completing her studies and qualifying as a medical secretary in December 2023, Sindisiwe faced persistent challenges securing a job.

To support young women like Sindisiwe, the Pact-led, USAID-funded ACHIEVE project implements comprehensive economic strengthening interventions for youth in South Africa, with a focus on adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Recognizing that intensive economic strengthening is a vital component in addressing factors contributing to AGYW’s vulnerability to HIV, ACHIEVE’s goal is to enhance the socio-economic status of AGYW aged 20-24 through the PEPFAR Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) program. DREAMS provides a comprehensive package of services that address the broad needs of AGYW. In addition to HIV care and prevention, AGYW are linked with economic strengthening and income-generating opportunities, mentorship and coaching to help them achieve financial security and sustainability.

Determined to change her future, Sindisiwe opted to pursue her passion for business by enrolling in the DREAMS program. After completing the initial primary package of services offered by the program, Sindisiwe enrolled in the intensive economic strengthening program where she participated in life skills workshops and learned about developing business plans, savings, market identification, job readiness and entrepreneurship.

Around this time, Sindisiwe noticed that there were no coffee shops available to commuters in her area. Sensing a business opportunity, Sindisiwe decided to start her own barista venture. With support from SMART, an ACHIEVE partner, Sindisiwe received a small business starter pack that included the necessary tools to launch her business. The following morning, Sindisiwe began operations of her coffee stand – EATS (Energy and Taste). By the end of the first day, her stock was completely sold out. The overwhelming support from her customers was both surprising and encouraging, fuelling her determination to succeed. As her business grew, Sindisiwe expanded her offerings to include breakfast burgers and juices. 

I am doing things for myself, paying my own bills and investing.

Sindisiwe Mabophe

“My business is doing very well. On average, I sell 18 to 24 burgers a day at 20 South African Rand each. I sell many cups of coffee and juices daily too. The [DREAMS] program has taught me the importance of saving, and I now have savings I never thought I could accumulate in my life,” she said. 

The intensive economic strengthening program has also helped Sindisiwe expand her professional network. Through SMART, Sindisiwe connected with a well-known barista who started out just like her and now owns a coffee shop in Cavendish Square. Sindisiwe is eager to be mentored by him and further realize her dream. She is also being linked with the Small Enterprise Development Agency to explore opportunities for expanding her business.

Through its DREAMS programming, ACHIEVE is continuing to work with local partners and AGYW themselves to ensure the initiative remains dynamic and responds to the unique needs of AGYW. And by placing AGYW’s participation and voices at the forefront, the project is building the confidence of young women like Sindisiwe to take the leap forward in shaping their futures. Sindisiwe now aspires to open the first coffee shop in her community. 

“To young people like myself, I say, any idea or dream is possible—you just need courage and determination.”