SEPTEMBER2014

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ernment authority. ADVERTISE WITH US... - To create a conducive business environment in CALL: 0744790546 Strandfontein so to attract investment from local and Deadline for Holiday Issue 15 November. The THE VILLAGE foreign business enterprise. THIS MONTH Village aims to publish advertisements that are - Stimulate networking amongst business owners and accurate. However The Village accepts no liability youth. for any damages orloss arising from any entry or Powered By PARROT 6 - Provide youth with access to training and information omission from the directory. No part of this that will aid them in their development. publication may be reproduced without the - Provide affordable marketing and advertising written permission of the copyright holder. channels for their portfolio. This month issue is all about “The New Normal”... Parrot 6 encourages and supports the creation, Entrepreneurs doing business online. growth and development of our local youth business- We operate from strandfontein library every Friday and Thankyou to our Team this month... es in Saturday from9-11 am. One of the most inspiring South African Entrepreneur is Strandfontein. Most fun project to date is connect with us...0744790546 Mark Richard Shuttleworth. He is one of the A specail thanks to Fagrie Dollie for his interview the Strandfontein Magazine, The Vil- reasons for me and my Team starting a business in our with Mr R. Jeffries, thanks for going the extra community. other well known entrepreneurs is our Par- lage. mile... ents, Friends, families members in our community and Youth can join the platform to discuss issues, gather Our Photographer, Umar Isaacs, thanks for the also Mr Raymond Ackerman. practical advice, and utilize our useful resources drive and passion to capture the story with your to market, grow and develop your business or your lens. From Wikipedia... portfolio of evidence. We share our online knowledge The Art team, Tasreeq Barendse. Entrepreneurship is the process of starting a business or (Online branding, Social media, Blogging, Apps and The Layout team, Ashraf Colli other organization. The entrepreneur develops a busi- much more) with our youth and other organisations The Web team, Faheem Gabier. ness model, acquires the human and other in our community. The Journos... Matthew, Karen Barnes, Nawaal required resources, and is fully responsible for its suc- Pillay, Allan Titus, Dharma. cess or failure. Entrepreneurship operates within an Our Values is: Trust; Availability; Communication; The Online team, Brandon Brevis and Emilio entrepreneurship ecosystem. Discipline and Transparency Daniels Administration, Aslam Anthony The Village has +- 200 registered businesses and +- 65 Parrot 6 aims to: Thank you to the teams(little journos) at informal business operating in our community. Strandfontein High, Strandfontein Primary and Supporting local businesses is vitally important - To strive for the economic empowerment and devel- Dennegeur Primary to the economic and social development of our opment of our community of Strandfontein. The Strandfontein library for allowing us to oper- community. Through innovation, entrepreneurs create - Provide a platform to showcase and encourage the ate from there and our community for the support new, competitive markets and businesses which development of youth businesses. and love... thankyou. lead to job creation and have a multiplying effect on the - To address the daily problems which confront the economy. youth and to take action on any matter affecting their [LETS DO BUSINESS] operations. Operating a business in The Village seems so - To identify and source the business opportunities isolated, but when we interviewed our local business DEION for Strandfontein youth business. men and woman, we found that we all facing most of - To ensure that Parrot 6 makes a full and meaningful the same challenges. it was very inspiring meeting and contribution to the work of the Strandfontein youth interviewing our local business people and we hope development and to the lives of the people of Strand- their story will help all of us to be more hopeful and fontein. optimistic about doing business in “The New - To co-operate, affiliate and/or associate with other Normal” , in The Vilage. organization pursuing similar aims and objectives as a youth platform. - To represent Strandfontein youth in any dealings with any other party, organization, business or gov-

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www.facebook.com/boldkreativei I studied at CPUT Surface Design and the course Thats when it started, my business mindset and that taught me to be innovative, upcycling is all over was my goal. To be my own boss. BOLD AND the world and i would like to bring it to South Since a young age iv always been creative with work, KREATIVE i Africa in a ‘Kreative’ light. Iv always gave person- i went to Cedar High to study Visual Arts and Design, al gifts with baby showers, wedding, tea parties from there i went to study the Foundation Course KAYLA ARENDSE so i thought why not do it for others. It took of design ( consist of subjects such as Surface design, me a while to find my feet when it comes to Fashion, Interior, Industrial design, Graphic Design, Jew- knowledge about starting a business but its all elery, and Architecture at CPUT, followed by Surface About kayla’s designs, its funky and unusual, a success story. I registered my business name Design (textile, fashion, and product design). functional, superb quality and great value. Her Upcycle “Bold and Kreative I” the reason why for that products you’ll Love! name is ‘Bold’ stands out on its own, meaning So far, the lesson i have learnt in my life is that you creative and unique, ‘Kreative’ is the word out of need to SAVE money and trust in God to make things My business consist of three different categories “creative” i changed the ‘c’ to a ‘K’ because of my possible for you name “Kayla”, ‘i’ is added because its ME and my Upcycling: upcycling is a word people use to describe logo is an eye which is ironic because “Kreative I need this exposure for my business and to let ev- recyclable materials that are used in a unique form, the i” sees EVERYTHING! Business or personal. eryone know that Bold and Kreative I is here to help production out of these products can be used for a with being creative in gifts and graphics. This exposure different use/ purpose. For example i would use fused Recycling is a growing market with benefits, up- will do good to my business locally because that is my light bulbs and turn it into a hanging vase, plastic bottles cycling is a new potential market for house holds clientele after all... turned into pot plants. Anyone can do it but i produce a and gifts that will grow. unique look and feel it make it creative. New competitors entering the market with the To start a business takes alot of time to prepare, if i same product because it is easy to make or even had to do anything differently i would get all paper Graphic design: every business starts with their graph- households making their own product work done as soon as possible and learn from oth- ics and logo, that is what my business provides. Business er businesses mistakes. All businesses goes through cards, logo design, flyers, invoice books, and business Good with handwork, excellent in designing and something that will set them back but it is a learning portfolio layouts. I have a creative way of thinking and innovative ideas, studied design, i have good com- progression. doing layouts but the clients needs comes first. I print munication skills, business background. too... Lacking on resources such as tools and money, need more experience in business management. Customize ANYTHING: tired of what to buy a loved one or a gift for a friend? My business is ‘Kreative think- My mom used to be a fashion designer so i ing’ i will provide the customer with ideas if you don’t always had a sewing machine in the house and come up with your own, create a more personal gift observed what she was doing since the age of 8. and be satisfied. For example named sewed on anything, I started taking her left over material and made a tray with personal names on, picture frames, cards, pillow cases out of them and sold them. Iv always invitations. been business oriented and creative in my life span. My audience consists primarily of any business, or ordinary person who wants to be creative in their gift, My dad taught me how to save money and grow business logo/ layouts, and who want to uplift their from that so i started at the age of 10, started homes with unique upcycled pottery. My target market with saving only 1c 2c 5c (that time it still had can be of any age, and income. value) once i had a R80 i changed it and bought me sweets, as a child remember, i took that sweats and started selling it out of my house, and children actually came. From the money i made i went back to the shop and bought more things eg chips, suckers, lollipops, ect... i opened my own

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www.Facebook.com/khankeepup KHANKEEPUP KHANITA KHAN

I research the latest fashion trends, then I survey the items selected to my target market. Similarly I get my inspiration from fashion icons such as coco chanel,mar- ilyn Monroe, Kim kardashian and lastly Nadia aboulhosn. I studied film and video production at CPUT for two years, and found my niche which was styling and fashion

My audience consists primarily of young vibrant dynamic females,between the ages of 19-23

It all started when I was putting together a repetitive scene which was a filming project. I styled the lead actor. Directed and produced and edited the short film and from there onwards my first tshirt range was born. To be featured in your magazine would be really •Elements in the environment that could cause great as the village magazine speaks about positive trouble for the business I have inspired other young go getters that wanted to stories that are born out of strandfontein and it’s pursue there own business ideas,but were to afraid to aim is to continue on the journey of discovery. Strengths take that step. They were my customers at first, but Similarly I am on a journey, which may take me and •Strong leadership now have their own brands. those who are with me on this journey to greater •Locally made garments heights. •Keeping up with international trends which is quality I have out sourced most of my manufacturing of and affordable garments to women that are previously disadvantaged, I am here to tell my story in the hopes that it may and find it difficult to find employment in the manu- inspire other youth in our community to be the Weaknesses facturing clothing sector. It has not only had a positive best they can be, and to know that the world is •Jobbing production impact on my business but has also given the women your oyster. that put the garment together a sense of identity, which exposes them in return. It is not always about chasing Passion drives me, I love what I do. Not with the money, but what value you can bring to others. standing the fact that you must understand that what you put in is what you get out. The lessons that I have learnt is that nothing in life comes easy. Whatever you want to achieve comes with Opportunities sacrifice, hard work, total dedication and commitment. •May improve local economy Success lies in a person’s will and state of mind. •Market trends •Demographics •Expanded target audience •Funding

Threats

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www.Facebook.com/satableware SA TABLEWARE LAYLAH’S TUTORING CARMEN LAYLAH Carmen is first a mother than a business woman, she has been operating in our community for 5 years. I have LAYLAH’S Tutoring is a progressive method of to start with her lesson for entrepreneurs... teaching mathematics, physics, english, afrikaans. At home for two years, graduate from UCT, in Micro “AN ENTREPRENEUR MUST NEVER LOSE Bio and Chemistry. She was looking for something SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE BIGGEST that interested her. QUALIFICATION THEY’VE GOT IS SITTING IN THEIR GUT. YOU TASTE IT AND FEEL IT. IF There was a huge demand for extra classes, kids was IT DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT, IT’S NOT RIGHT.” struggling with the curriculum. Lesson content is regularly updated according to Carmen and her husband move into this premises this changes in the curriculum . year. SA Tableware Services offering includes Aprons Layla’s system provides learners with the opportu- Table Cloths nity to work through the curriculum at their own Napkins pace, and at their own level of ability. Learning is Uniforms reinforced and evaluated both on the computer and Chair Covers through worksheets, which are done in writing and Curtains assessed by her. Bedding ... Custom made to the clients specifications. With better understanding comes improved marks and improved confidence. The end result is a pos- SA Tableware cater for the hospitality and itive, motivated, independent learner who has the restaurant industry and can supply serviettes in 100% opportunity to choose the future he/she wants. cotton plain in white & colour, also damask in white only as well as linen cotton and twill fabrics. Serviettes Laylah’s been in business for five years,good news are finished either with a straight hem, or a mitred hem stories is that some of the kids she’s tutoring is at for a more elegant finish. university. Currently she doing some classes from the library on tuesdays. SA Tableware’s long term goal is to open three more premise.in South Africa. Entrepreneurs must have drive Come down to Standfontein library on Tuesday and and passion, SA Tableware believes you should be in connect with Laylah. business to leave a legacy.

Throughout all the business challenge, Carmen feel she grown stronger, if she had to start her business today, she would not change a thing.

The Village thank this strong business woman for allowing us to share her story.

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www.facebook.com/ urban-cuts URBAN CUTS

WARREN

My business is a community barbershop, on the one hand we do your regular mens grooming from little ones 1st hair cut, to scholars, to the up and com- ing work force, all the way to your professionals and retired. And on the other hand my business is people. From the client that walks in,to the passionate staff and mentors.

My audience consists primarily on the immediate com- munity and surounds but not limited to the area, we often leave a mark on those who grew up in the area who return for a cut when visiting family or friends.

I started this business through hard work, which to support his lifestyle and contribute to his inlcuded long hours and the absolute believe that I will household. It is not possible to single out one be successful in all my endeavours. story above the other, life happens in the barber. Sometimes 3 to 4 generations are in the shop at I see opportunities in the ability to gain and maintain the same time. I think if we continue to provide market share through service. Although sometimes a platform where father’s spend time with sons, inconsistent due to factors that influence the service more success stories are to come. industry that are uncontrollable, like services varying, and being dependant on the person providing the If I was to start over, the one thing I service, one can even out the scale by providing would do variety, a systematic approach and uniformity. differently is commit to this ever reward- ing industry sooner. There are so many success stories that come through these doors, from the guy needing a cut on appro, SLOW AND STEADY WITH THE ERASER... because he has an interview for a job opportunity, then coming back to settle his debt and giving a report that he got the job. Theres barbers that “We owe almost all our knowledge not came through as doors that nobody knew, that now to those who have agreed, but to those are household names. who have differed.” —Charles Caleb Colton I remember giving a boy on high school a chance, through his hard work and persistence, our mentoring and believing in him, turned him into the man he is today. He owns his own vehicle and is able

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SPAZA SHOP “FAITH, FUN & FASHION”

AUNTIE SIELIE NAZ BOUTIQUE

SHAHIEMA JONES

A spaza shop is an informal convenience shop. Spaza Women around the world are shaking up the shops are now legalized on the condition that they ob- foundations of modern fashion. Girls and women now tain a trading license in accordance with Business Act have more choices than ever before to respect their 71 of 1991 (Spaza News, 2005). values and find clothing that is both fun and business in South Africa, usually run from home. fashionable, That why I started Naz Boutique. Naz Boutique is pleased to be offering women of our Aunty Sielie, as she is popularly known as, considers community, and of every faith and background, the op- herself a puplic servant and has been in the Business of portunity to access and stay ahead of cutting-edge style Retailing since the tender age of 15. that is modest, confident and affordable. We cater to kids, youth and adults, male and fermale. Aunty Silie had started in another house in Take a look at the choices women now have at their strandfontein but then move to the side of the gate of fingertips. This is where fashion is redefined. Strandfontein high soon it was fenced off, doe to the high demand of the school Teenagers from going to the This is not a complete list and we lucky to get the stock fence hence, she could not sell much. on consignment with companies who share our vision to grow the retail choices and experience for the Muslim Lots of Spaza shops have challenge like business She then opened her store in her house where it still Woman, Man and Family. flourishes. Aunty silie’s tuckshop thrives as a business knowledge, Networking opportunities, purchasing power and crime. because of her good communication with the For the past 20years I’ve been selling practically community and admitting that she even has a habit of everthing in my community.I have sold bags, belts, Most of the school kids ask us to interview Aunty getting emotionally involved in her customers perfumes, bedding, linen, comforters, scarves, ect. Silie, she listen and show them respect and always problems. My stock changes regularly and prices are very greet with a smile, making their day a bit brighter. reasonable. While giving her employees training on customer Thank you Aunty Silie. service she tends to see all of her customers’ needs Theres such a graet opportunity in our community for a satisfied. Aunty Silie has a very buzy schedule she would store like mine. There is a risk operating in Strandfontein, like to get involved with the community even more but but so is everywhere in our land. only has enough time to serve the mosque whenever she We got a one-stop shop and a laybye system, advertising can. and marketing a big challenge.

When asked what lessons she has learnt she simply said I don’t have yet any success stories, but we growing and “To be honest and not soft ‘’ Aunty silie runs her tuck- with the support of my community, I’ll share that story shop because it is her only source of income towards her soonest. and her family. We do donations of items to underprivilage functions. Its difficult to buy more stock, funding is poor, but I build good relationships to grow my business.

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THE TRANSPORTER BEAUTY & HEALTH TJ’s Transport Mountain City Organics.

MR. JONES NATASHA DU PLESSIS

TJ’s Transport is a provider of a reliable, safe and courteous shuttle based transport service for children About Mountain City Organics. to and from school with a direct collection or drop off at your door. We are a small family owned business that discov- We work with churches, clubs and youths. too. ered the beneficial advantages of clay first as a face TJ’s Transport is a brand which is already well mask, that led us into a world of discovery. Little did established in the the strandfontein community. we know that we would become so involved with Khoisan Healing Clay. TJ’s Transport has seen a distinct increase in demand for this type of service due to various factors. The We now use it as a family, as a daily supplement number of working mums has increased and therefore and for a variety of different ailments. Best of all more children need transport. Making use of this ser- we are healthy and find no need to visit hospitals. vice allows parents to continue their work day unin- Any ailment, fever, allergy, tummy ache or pain we terrupted and in the comfort and knowledge that their now reach for Khoisan Healing Clay. If the clay fails We have learned by trial and no error. Now we children are taken care of and are safe. though we will surely go to our doctor. He has not simply tell people to try it for their ailments, The shuttle service operates throughout the year – seen us for anything since we started using the clay. whatever it is. Thus far it has helped every per- including school holidays except December. son that has tried the product and for different We do not mine our clay, we hand collect the clay reasons. TJ’s Transport aims to grow and capitalise on the op- after the rains. The clay is from the topsoil therefore portunity that exists for brand extensions – Your No.1 very different to mined clay. Remember the food chain starts with clay in the transport solution – to and from school. top soil, plants grow in it, animals eat the plants Mountain City Khoisan Clay is not exposed to heavy and you eat the plants and animals. And now you This business has its challenge, its cut throat business, earth moving equipment, metal or magnetic fields at know that you can eat the clay. price cutting. any point. This aparently makes a difference to the Petrol increase, mechanical breakdowns, theft of car ionic properties of the Clay. parts while the vehicles is parked, is all part of my busi- ness. It is collected from its source, filtered by hand, Sun and wind dried and packaged by people for the love I started with one vehicle and 5 kids, currently I got 4 of people. vehicles. I wave the fees to drive trips for underprivelegde kids, Remember this clay is not milled at any time, it is lessons i have learned was to always be safe and con- filtered. scious., Be punctual and patience is essential. Clay has been all but forgotten by the modern family. Mountain City intends introducing the clay and If i had to do this all over again, I would stay small. educating people on the various uses of this amazing detoxifying clay.

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MEDICINE MAN ACCOUNTANT Dr.LALOO KLEIN AND ASSOCIATES

Mr. KLEIN In Strandfontein there has been a doctor here since the We started our business in 2005 with just 4 clients. Our beginning of the village, the 1st doctor in Strandfontein, the mission is to help our clients reach their goals by provid- Original. Dr.Laloo is a medical doctor who has been prac- ing them with sound advice and exceptional service. As ticing since 1980 but now trusted advisors, our success is based on commitment, considers himself semi-retired as he currently doing about trust, honesty and team work. 20 hours a week. Our focus is serving small, closely held businesses. Our Dr.Laloo treated patients in Strandfontein when he started services include accounting and auditing services, busi- off in a dead end road where his Business had flourished by ness advisory services, payroll processing services, tax word of mouth, although now he has a surgery in planning and tax preparation services. Wavecrest mall. Dr.Laloo had built a house when plots be- “Where there is a will, there is a way and came available but after 20 years of practising medicine he nothing can stop you from achieving your Klein & Associates blends a diverse background of public We do have competitors in our community and that had sold his house in 2001 and retired for 6 years. goals even when you are disadvantaged, accounting experience and real world business manage- drives us to deliver better service. that Education is the best way to em- ment experience with a passion for the entrepreneurial We’ve registered over a 1000 businesses in the Cape Where he had assumed half day prac tice in 2007. His power yourself, that is the best way I can spirit to deliver practical solutions to our clients. We Town. patients can rest assured knowing that he is a trustworthy recommend’’. have the experience and the staff to help doctor that has been practicing for many years. When asked if he would do anything different, he business owners solve a variety of accounting, tax and Funding is a challenges but we network to grow simply said no, that he would do it again if given business challenges. As a client of Klein & Associates, you business. Klein and associates keeping you up to When people go for cheaper medical aids they are the chance to start over. can expect friendly and personalized service from a team date on the latest tax law changes, assisting you in designated a certain doctor they can go to. Less people for of dedicated professionals. processing payroll or performing auditing services, the local doctor as a small form of competition. we can help. Our experience includes working with clients in the vari- New patients are often showing up so I would guess it ous industries/sectors: We like to take this opportunity to thank the strand- weakness so it outweighs the weakness. fontein community for supporting us. Medical aids, we have been over this. I started working as a bookkeeper at an eneneering com- pany and my brother worked at Sars for about 4 yrs. Dr.laloo has a donated to various sports events among My brother saw a need and offered clients our type of other people who come ask. He also provides working service.we have a work place environment that is chal- experience for people for high school students. Dr.Lalloo lenging yet supportive. had started off self-funded although he knows needs the support of the community to fully succeed. At Klein & Associates, we believe in working hard to meet the demands of a sometimes demanding profession. Dr.Lalloo had started off with nothing but studied his way We also believe in challenging ourselves through person- through university to strive to be a doctor. Throughout his al growth and professional development. Perhaps most years Dr.lalloo had learnt an important lesson throughout importantly, we understand that life goes on outside the the years of labour, that... office and that is why we believe in a balanced and flexi- ble work schedule.

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R JEFFRIES We have a family business, myself and my brother are venue. the Portlands Indoor Sport Center is basically the employers, wheather don’t really affect us, we there where all pigeon racing activities happen. our club has rain or shine. 10 members from the standfontein area and we com- THE TYRE SHOP pete against 60 other members from mitchell’s Plain On the side, I am involved with pigeon racing club in on a weekly basis. our racing season starts st week June Strandfontein. pigeon racing is my father’s hobby and and ends 2nd week october each year. I initially got ivolved because the strandfontein Pigeon racing club required assistance with their administra- Again Thankyou to our community for supporting our tion. pigon fanciers nowadays just want to race their business. My father, who has been in business for most of his life, birds, they do not want to be saddled with admin was looking to start anew venture. I came up with the idea work.Iam club secretary, treasurer and race-secretary. of starting a tyre business from home. i was unemployed iam also currently the mitchell’s plain homing unin’s at the time and could not see my 57 year old dad having secretary and treasurer. to work that hard, so i got involved in the running of the budinedd. Our pigeons racing club is based at our home/ tyre business in strandfontein.This is just our meeting Both myself and my brother was involve in the business my father had from a very young age. we moved into strandfontein in 1979 at the age of 11, during school holidays I would work on the forecourt ofmy father’s Esso Petrol station in Glenhaven, bellville.A few years later he sold and bought a take-away/ general dealer in Town Centre. I didnot enjoy having to work in the shop, no free time, had to help out after school and weekends. my dad then purchsed a fisheries and once agian i found myself as a teenager working in my fathers business.

I was 34years old, when my father started the tyre business in strandfontein in2002. After graduated as a Teacher in 1991, I could not find employment at the time, in 1992, I took the first job that came my way and that was a general worker in a store room of a large beverage company.

With the help of my father and brother, we’ve been in the tyre business for the last 12 years. my father is not actively during the first two years, and those that survive involved any longer, he only fecthes stock for the business those initial years, can then go on to make a success when required. its not easy owning your own business of their business. You’ll have to sacrifices time, enr- during tough economic times, but we make ends meet, gy, money, time with family. Planning your life and and we are grateful for the support of the community over time makes it easier. the years. Other challenges from operating from your home The nature of our busines requires it to be open 7 days a is obtaining a licence from the City of Cape Town. week and this can be tiring.Running your own business big risks is the robberies in the area, Redtape from means giving twice the effort to mak eit a success, you the City of cape Town makes it very difficult form want to leave a legacy behind. most start-up businesses fail business operating from home to start and grow.

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TUCK SHOP

ALEX GAMZA’S FISHERIES

STARTED 10 YEARS BACK variety products but you need to be very careful, stuck with the core of your business and add three more product and alway give it a test of +- two weeks trail.

We value the interactions we have with customer, you learn a lot about the community, we started a soup kitchen every Thursday from the shop. You always try to up youtr game when it comes to cus- tomer service, you want to retain the loyal customers thats supporting your, We like a niche busniess in this community..

Theres challenge but you got to manage it. Our community and their support is what making us grow This family business started a very we had an opportunity to build The journey thus far has been leg- and we would like to thank them for the support. long time back, the need was to new relationships with new mem- endary, so far and we try to serve cater for small things people need- bers in our community, my father, to the best of our ability, there ed when they ran out on supplies, our family would like to do more nothing we would change if we My mom owns this business, we started helping out a short term solution until people in our community, its not an easy had to start our business today first at my aunts and uncle Fisheries/ takeaways, that do their monthly shopping. road, starting and running your experience set us up to start our own fisheries busi- own business. ness. We serve the surrounding We were looking for a good location to set up shop, community, back in the day there You see others in you community and we had family that time in strandfontein village. was no shops in our area and my moving on, we try to create a safe father wanted to start a business enviroment for our community I think it was 23 august that we started in strandfon- for himself. The shop’s inventory around our shop, robbery is a le- tein, 10years back. Constantly & personally sourcing is usually composed of basic goods gitimate concern for shop owners. the freshest & highest quality produce is an essential like produce, drinks, cigarettes, Spaza shops make very appealing cornerstone of his success. and bread. targets because they are largely cash-based businesses. Custom- Freshly prepared tasty food, good value for money Managing the shop is day to day, ers typically pay in cash, and so and high quality innovative branding, packaging and seven days a week, need to nego- would-be robbers are fairly product ranges ensured that Gamza’s would be the ciate with suppliers on pricing to confident that a spaza shop will first name in fast, fresh & affordable seafood meals. get a good price for our customers. have cash. Some suppliers would deliver but From its inception Gamza’s established and main- most time you need to go out and It feels like we belong to the com- tained a valuable reputation in the business based on source you r products. munity, thier our extended famly, its friendly and efficient service levels. our community is loyal supporters As people moved out of the area, of our shop. People always tells us to expand our offering, add

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Yours in Swimming who have identified the benefits of swimming, are health or fitness conscious and who has seen the need for water safety. Recently doctors, occupational ther- apists and even dietitians have referred children with little mermaids asthma, special needs, learning difficulties and weight issues to swimming. Strandfontein has great princi- Rushana & Masoodh pals who head daycares/crèches and want to make a difference in their students lives. They come seeking different avenues for extra mural activities that will Website: www.littlemermaids.co.za enhance the lives of these children and we are blessed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/little- to have them on board. mermaidsswimschool/ Twitter: @_littlemermaids Before starting the business I was employed for a swim school in the Wynberg area servicing the more affluent schools with this vital life skill. I then real- ized that my community has a considerable need for water safety and consciousness. I researched this by approaching schools, organizations and neighbors to enquire if they would be interested should a business of this nature become established. At the time I did not own a pool and therefore offered my services to crèches who had swimming pools. I would then go to Our business is based in Strandfontein and we offer the respective crèche to teach their kids. The problem swimming lessons from ages 12 months to adults. We I was facing then was that I wasn’t reaching enough We have a 5year old girl, who was diagnosed with Clos or Karin Prinsloo could come from our very own are qualified, registered swimming instructors who kids as not all the crèches in the area owned a swim- autism three years ago. After being disappointed Village ;) are active members of Western Province Aquatics, ming pool. Those that did was an outside pool which and misunderstood at her previous swim school, her Western Province Swimming Instructors Association meant that I couldn’t teach those kids during the cold mother enrolled her at our swim school. She has built To realize our goal of making each child a swimmer and affiliated with Swim South Africa. Lessons are winter months. This lead to me having to build my a solid relationship with Masoodh and watching the before reaching grade school, we need more qualified taught in an indoor heated facility which gives us the very own swimming pool. With great support from two of them interact has brought so much joy and instructors in our area. So why not let us assist you in luxury of teaching throughout the year. Lessons are my family and loads of faith, we embarked in this life satisfaction to her family and myself. It just reminds training as a swimming instructor. Become part of our for a duration of 30 minutes and conducted in groups changing venture. We opened our doors to 35 swim- us why we started this swim school. dynamic team and let’s raise leaders! encouraging social interaction. We teach this vital mers on 13 February 2012 and to date we have had life skill from Monday to Friday 8:30-20:00 as well as more than 800 swimmers come through our waters. We are in partnership with the 9 Miles Project and Saturdays from 07:45 - 15:00 and slots are based on Many of which have moved on to school teams and have done some great initiatives with them such as clients availability as well as what our existing sched- club swimming. our Ocean Splash Event where kids from the 9 Miles ule allows. Project has taught our swimmers some surfing skills. We have the opportunity of making a difference in ev- We will also be hosting a holiday club with them in We teach groups from all races, ages, denominations ery child’s life that enters the water with us. By intro- the near future. Partnering with them has had a huge and our mission is to make each child water safe by ducing a swimmer to the water and it’s many benefits, impact on us as instructors as well as on our swim- the time they reach grade school. To assist us with we instill a life long relationship with aquatic environ- mers. So much so that we now strive even more to this task we have established a crèche initiative where- ments. Our motto of “Raising leaders” exposes our teach,impart and equip this skill to our swimmers. by we have approached crèches / daycares within and swimmers to the endless opportunities, water pro- around Strandfontein. We then collect kids from the vides. We tell them “they can” and because this builds We have learnt that life is filled with unlimited pos- daycares, transport them to our facility for their 30 confidence and self-esteem, they have the courage to sibilities. That if you have a dream that you firmly minute swimming lesson and then return them to try new things. believe in, you owe it to yourself to achieve it. By what crèche, with safety being our biggest objective. we do, we can make great impacts on the lives around We at Little Mermaids love what we do and do what us. Who knows, the next Achmat Hassiem, Chad Le Our audience primarily consists mostly of parents we love...making our job a never ending holiday!

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South Africans celebrate Heritage Day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the pop- ulation of South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day.

And we had an Awesome time on the sports field...

Congrats Strandfonein and Bayview soccer teams on all the trophies

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