Itumeleng Lekomanyane | Sandwich Nton Nton

Programme sponsor: DLA Piper

I remember when I decided to be an entrepreneur: it was the moment I realised that I could make my own money, rather than relying on someone else to pay me a salary. So that’s what I did – I started a small business offering printing and embroidery on uniforms. Although I kept it going for a couple of years, it didn’t bring in enough money for me to support myself and my daughter. I’d been looking for a job for over a year and was down to my last R800 – which was supposed to be my maintenance payment – when I decided to try my luck as a street vendor.

I’d always been good with food so I spent the R800 on ingredients, made my first batch of sandwiches and set out on foot to sell them. That day I came home with more sandwiches than I sold but I kept at it, adding a few more sandwiches every day. I found that I made a lot of sales at taxi ranks, so that’s where I focused my efforts. Eventually, there was a day when I was sold out by 8am!

But five months into trading, Covid hit and I had to temporarily close shop when we went into lockdown. I hadn’t prepared for a month of zero sales and when I was finally allowed to start trading again, so many people had lost their jobs or were working from home that there was much less foot traffic on the streets than before. It was a big knock but I believe it was my positive attitude and ability to see the best in bad situations that carried me through the tough times, as did my persistence and resilience – I could always see the bigger picture when it came to my business, and I had a clear purpose.

The turning point

In 2023, I was sponsored by DLA Piper to join a Raizcorp business-development programme and I know Sandwich Nton Ntons wouldn’t be where it is today without it. Through the intensive learning programme and one-on-one business mentorship I’ve received, I’ve become a “real” entrepreneur who knows how to run a profit-generating business! The programme taught me the day-to-day skills I need to grow a sustainable business, like financial management and strategy, and I’ve learned how to think outside of the box.

While Sandwich Nton Ntons started as a street food brand operating in the informal sector, over time I’ve formalised everything. I no longer work from home because we have a proper shop in that operates from 7am to 2am the following day.

Since starting on the programme, my turnover has improved by 6% and my net profit is up an impressive 70%. I currently only have 13 employees and I like that I’ve been able to give other people the opportunity to earn a living. I often think back to that R800 and how much it has multiplied now. I haven’t spent a night hungry since the day I started Sandwich Nton Ntons!

My advice for other entrepreneurs

What advice would I offer to other aspiring entrepreneurs? Remember that no one owes you anything. Make the decision to start then push through until the opportunities find you on your journey. No one will finance an idea unless it’s unique or lucrative and is going to generate profits. Also, make sure to get your financial records in order every month to monitor your progress and shortfalls.

A message for my sponsor

My circumstances didn’t allow me to go to university after matric so thank you DLA Piper for giving me an opportunity to realise my lifelong dream of getting an education. Companies like yours offer hope to aspiring entrepreneurs who are facing adversity.