Bongiwe Jonga’s inspiring journey of resilience and entrepreneurship highlights the transformative impact of support and solidarity.
South Africa (01 May 2024) – Bongiwe Jonga’s inspirational journey from loss to legacy, fuelled by resilience, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to empowering others, encapsulates the transformative power of hope and determination.
“Everything I owned was gone,” Bongiwe recounts, reflecting on the tumultuous chapter of her life a few years ago.
Escaping a violent domestic abuse marriage, she found herself grappling with the aftermath of her house burning down. With a young child to care for, Bongiwe faced the daunting reality of rebuilding her life from scratch. Yet, amidst the ashes of her past, seeds of determination were sown.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Bongiwe embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Despite the challenges of being over 35 and the scarcity of job opportunities, she refused to succumb to despair. Instead, she embraced her passion for fashion, setting her sights on becoming a designer.
Enter Taking Care of Business (TCB), a guiding light of hope in Bongiwe’s darkest hour. Attending TCB’s open day was a pivotal moment, igniting a spark of inspiration within her.
“I knew immediately that this was what I wanted,” she recalls, her eyes gleaming with determination.
At TCB, Bongiwe found more than just vocational training; she found a lifeline. Through a holistic approach encompassing counselling, coaching, and occupational intelligence training, TCB provided the tools she needed to heal and grow.
“I became a brand new me,” Bongiwe affirms.
In the nurturing environment of TCB, Bongiwe found a sisterhood of kindred spirits, united in their pursuit of a better tomorrow. Together, they embarked on a journey of empowerment, each step forward a triumph over adversity.
Armed with newfound confidence and skills, Bongiwe ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Eladowear—a brand fueled by her passion for making a difference.
“I want to leave my Eladowear brand as a legacy for my kids and community,” she declares, her vision extending far beyond mere profit.
Through Eladowear, Bongiwe seeks to empower single mothers like herself, offering affordable, quality clothing and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. But her mission doesn’t end there. Together with her partners, Nomawabo Chinche and Abigail Masholoko, she launched Kamvelihle CMT Projects, extending a helping hand to women aspiring to start their own businesses.
“We love the concept that we are helping other people,” Bongiwe beams, her eyes alight with passion.
For her, success isn’t measured solely in profits but in the lives touched and transformed along the way. As she looks to the future, Bongiwe dreams of seeing her businesses flourish and leave an indelible mark on the world.
Her advice to others echoes her own journey: “Believe in yourself.”
Watch Bongiwe tell her inspiring story below:
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