By Everson Luhanga
- Thathakahle Mkhabela runs UP Creations Africa from uMzinyathi selling African heritage products and opened a Shongweni shop in March 2025.
- Mkhabela started the business in 2022 after struggling to pray and delivers water to supermarkets to fund the unprofitable business.
Thathakahle Mkhabela is 56 years old. She has worked for most of her life and is still pushing every day. She is married with daughters. Everything she does is about survival in a tough economy.
Her business is called Ululate Psalms Pty Ltd. It trades as UP Creations Africa. The business sells products that focus on African heritage, faith and storytelling. She runs it from her home in uMzinyathi, north of Durban. In March 2025, she opened a physical shop at Westown Square in Shongweni.
The move to a shop was a big step. It also brought new costs. Thathakahle funded the business with personal savings and loans she took while employed. The business is still in its early stages and does not yet make profit. She continues to support it financially.
To cover daily expenses, she also delivers alkaline ionised water to supermarkets and fuel stations. It is a side hustle that helps her keep going.
The brand was born in 2022 during a difficult time in her life. Thathakahle said she depended on Psalms to guide her prayers when she felt she could not cope. “I was in a state where I could not even pray,” she said.
She started selling online in 2023. The business has one full time employee. It also works with interns from technical and vocational colleges in and around Durban.
Thathakahle wants people to share stories about the places they visit. She also wants young people to learn about clan names and prayer. Her long term dream is to open a manufacturing plant to supply linen, decor and souvenirs to hospitality businesses.
“The Lord will provide,” she said.
Pictured above: Thathakahle Mkhabela at her shop at Westown Square in Shongweni, where she continues to support her business.
Image source: Supplied
