By: Theodorah waga Mawasha
POLOKWANE-The concept to start coffeetocar was sparked after Lehubedu Mohlabe (37), from the Namakgale Palesa section in Phalaborwa, saw a gap in the industry.
Mohlabe said that he would travel a few miles to access coffee shops in the area he used to work and he decided to bridge that gap.
The pioneer has a strong and well-conceived concept that will set him up for future success.
The Father of four, Lehubedu “Lemo” Mohlabe, reflected to Tzaneen voice on how he began selling coffee to motorists through his portable coffee stop along the R55 in Centurion.
Previously unemployed, the entrepreneur came up with a creative way to make money.
“After 3 years of looking for a job with no luck I got frustrated, decided to open business and hire myself. I sell coffee at busy traffic intersections directly to motorists,” Mohlabe said
“I grew up in different places, experienced different cultures, learned different languages and traditions. That shaped me and taught me how to relate to people which is essential for business”, he said.
“I had different dreams and aspirations during my childhood and always believed that I would become an electrician. I enrolled at TUT for Tourism Management and went on to complete a course in Digital Marketing. Starting a business was far from my imagination “, Mohlabe added.
After securing a temporary job around Midrand, Mohlabe said he would walk a mile during tea breaks to buy coffee. He explained that it took most of his time. Thus, after he lost the job, he started selling coffee to motorists at a traffic circle.
“I always carried biscuits to work because I am an avid coffee drinker. I hate walking far to just buy a cup of coffee. That is how I saw the gap and decided to start coffeetocar. I somewhat knew selling from the traffic lights would give me a good head start and I operated from there “, he continued.
The ambitious young man said that the journey has not been without challenges.
“During rainy season I can’t work because I don’t have a trailer. I however draw inspiration from my role model Pappas who established himself from nothing and went on to own a cafeteria. What is even more satisfying and encouraging is being able to pay for my children’s school fees”, Mohlabe added.
Mohlabe encourages youth not to rest on their laurels or wait for opportunities.
“Young people must start where they are with the little they have and always show up” he concluded
