By Everson Luhanga
- Khauhelo Lefoka, 37, from Katlehong lost his job during Covid-19 and used his own savings to start a yoghurt business.
- Lefoka’s brand Mogurt now supplies spaza shops and selected major retailers in Kathorus, and the business has created two jobs.
Khauhelo Lefoka from Katlehong knows what it means to struggle. The 37-year-old lost his job during Covid-19 and had no income. With bills piling up, he started selling yoghurt in his community just to survive.
“I wanted an income,” he said.
Lefoka used his own savings to begin. He bought yoghurt and resold it in his community. As the business grew, he saved money and started producing his own products.
He now owns a brand called Mogurt. His dairy blends come in flavours like pineapple, mango, peach and orange.
He supplies spaza shops around Kathorus and also sells through an online platform. His products are also available at selected major retailers and wholesalers.
The business is now Lefoka’s only source of income. It supports his family and two other households. He has also created two jobs.
“I have an income now. I am able to provide for my family,” he said.
Lefoka later received support from the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to grow his business.
But challenges remain. He says finding affordable space for production is difficult.
Despite this, Lefoka wants to grow into a large manufacturing business and help reduce unemployment.
He says small businesses can change lives by creating income and offering affordable products.
His advice to others struggling to survive is simple: “They must sell something. A service or a product. But they must sell something.”
Pictured above: Khauhelo Lefoka, who built his yoghurt brand Mogurt after losing his job during Covid-19, now supports his family and has created jobs in Katlehong.
Image source: Supplied
