- Eastern Cape security guard Sibusiso Pama started a clothing business to earn extra money while raising four children.
- He hopes to use his profits to buy school uniforms and food parcels for struggling families in his community.
A 40-year-old security guard from KwaBhaca in the Eastern Cape has started his own clothing brand to support his family and help struggling children in his village.
Sibusiso Pama, from Qhanqu village, launched his brand, Uphumaphi Ntsizwa, in 2024 after realising that his salary as a security guard was not enough to cover his family’s needs.
He is raising four children, including two belonging to his brother, who was shot dead last year.
“I started the brand in 2024 for many reasons. One of them is to have a side hustle to assist with the salary I am getting as a security guard,” said Pama.
He sells hoodies for R450, T-shirts for R300 and trousers for R360. He advertises his clothes on Facebook and WhatsApp and sends orders to customers across South Africa using PEP’s delivery service.
But Pama’s dream is bigger than making extra money.
He wants to use his business to help children from poor families, especially those growing up without parents.
“My wish is to use some of the profit to buy school uniforms and food parcels for disadvantaged families,” he said.
Pama believes his business will grow and allow him to give back to his community.
“I am doing this for my family and my community because I have a lot of child-headed households that need our assistance,” he said.
He also hopes his clothing brand will make more people aware of his hometown.
“Most people don’t know KwaBhaca, so the clothing brand will put it on the map,” he said.
Customer Athini Diko praised Pama’s clothing and service.
“The quality is good, and his customer service is good. When he talks about his brand, you can tell that he loves what he’s doing,” said Diko.
Ward 11 councillor Nobahle Gogela said she was not aware of Pama’s business but encouraged him to come forward for assistance.
“Small businesses are being assisted, but we will not know them if they don’t come forward,” said Gogela.
She said other clothing businesses had received support, including sewing machines and fabric, to help them grow.
For Pama, the goal is to build a successful brand while making life better for his family and the children in his community.
