Thabile Kweyama

A man in Umlazi, South of Durban has started a cell phone repair business due to being unemployed.

Gcina Mthembu, a resident said he started operating his business from home and eventually bought a business operating container.

“Growing up I have always been able to fix electronic appliances and gadgets. I did not go to school for repairing electronics but it is a gift,” said Mthembu.

Mthembu said that it is challenging to get a permanent job in the country.

“I usually got temporary jobs and that required me to have savings since I did not have a permanent job,” said Mthembu.

He added that he started his business even though he did not have much capital or a business partner.

Mthembu said he does face a lot of challenges since some gadgets are more advanced.

“Some of the challenges I face is that some people are not patient, some gadgets are more advanced and if a cell phone is not able to be repaired some people think I am not able to do my job,” said Mthembu.

He added that since he has operated his business, community members have shown him support and trust with their gadgets.

Wendy Radebe, a community member said it is important to support local businesses since they help people in townships.

“Most businesses in townships are foreign-owned especially those repairing cell phones and other electronic things. As community members we rely on the small businesses,” said Radebe.

Picture: Gcina Mthembu