Brandon: Most Likely to Build a Business

Brandon is one of 11 children and, due to difficult financial and family circumstances, has not yet completed matric. Without a stable place to live, he has spent time staying with relatives, often sleeping on his aunt’s couch. Finding somewhere he could focus on his future has not always been easy.

Through the H-Cubed programme, Brandon now has a place where he can learn, receive academic support and work towards his goals. He has taken part in the practical skills training with enthusiasm, particularly enjoying sewing. Over time, he has also become more confident in asking questions, seeking help and sharing his hopes for the future.

During the winter holidays, Brandon was given R100 as part of an entrepreneurship challenge. He used it to buy fabric scraps from Themba Training and made four tote bags using the sewing skills he had learnt earlier in the year. He sold all four, and what started as a small practical exercise has grown into a corporate order for 22 more bags, which he is now making himself.

For Brandon, this is about more than earning an income. It is proof that he can use what he has learnt to create an opportunity for himself. As he works on the order, he is building his skills, gaining confidence and experiencing the pride of earning money through his own efforts.

“I just want to say thank you to all of the people involved in this programme for making this opportunity available to me. I WILL make the best of this.”