By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Nelia Ngulube started Yaya’s Rusks in Johannesburg one year ago with only 350 rands to pay for basic household expenses.
- Rising prices of flour, eggs, butter, raisins, electricity and transport are cutting profits for business owner Nelia Ngulube from Parkhurst.
A nanny from Parkhurst in Johannesburg started baking and selling rusks to survive. Selloane Ntshonyane, who is 50 years old, could no longer cover her living expenses and support her two children with her nanny salary.
Nelia Ngulube owns the business called Yaya’s Rusks. She said she started the business one year ago using only R350. Ngulube needed another way to make money.
“I realised my salary was no longer enough when, after paying for basic household expenses, there was nothing left to save,” she said.
She chose a popular South African treat for her new business.
“I started the business to supplement my income and help support my family,” she said. “I chose rusks because I always loved baking and most people love rusks.”
A packet of her rusks sells for R120. The business now supplies individual customers and retailers. These shops include Garden Fresh in Rosebank and Astron Energy Parkmore.
But rising prices make it harder to run the business. Ingredient costs like flour and eggs increased.
“The recent increase in the cost of ingredients, electricity, transport and other essentials has significantly increased production costs and reduced my profit,” she said.
The business still improved her financial situation.
“The extra income has helped us cover household expenses and support family needs,” she said.
Ngulube said her story is like many South Africans who want to make extra money as the cost of living rises. She hopes to keep growing the business to support her family and build a better future for her two children.
Pictured above: A South African business owner baking rusks.
Image source: Supplied
