ETP2601
Assignment 4
Due 10 October 2025
, ETP2601
Assignment 4
Due 10 October 2025
Entrepreneurial Skills
Mahlodi’s Kitchen
Mahlodi Mphahlele began her career in 1987 as a Sales Assistant at Shoprite in
Polokwane. After 10 years in retail, she had mastered the art of selling and was
considered one of the best in her team. In 1997, her life took an unexpected turn when
her eldest son was badly injured in a taxi accident near Lebowakgomo. The injuries
required constant care, and Mahlodi had no choice but to resign from her job to look
after him full-time.
Although the accident tested her spirit, Mahlodi refused to give up. She drew strength
from the lessons she had learnt in retail sales – that patience, persistence, and a clear
plan were the keys to success. For nearly five years she survived on prayer and hope,
but by 2002 she realised that tears alone would not feed her family. She needed a plan.
Mahlodi noticed that in nearby villages such as Ga-Mphahlele and Turfloop, there was
growing demand for catering at weddings and funerals. At that time, very few
businesses were serving township and rural markets. She started small – selling cold
drinks and ice at events. After two years, she realised she could do more. Having
supplied caterers with drinks and ice, she saw the profits that lay in controlling the
supply chain. She knew the suppliers, had cooking skills, and understood customers.
Assignment 4
Due 10 October 2025
, ETP2601
Assignment 4
Due 10 October 2025
Entrepreneurial Skills
Mahlodi’s Kitchen
Mahlodi Mphahlele began her career in 1987 as a Sales Assistant at Shoprite in
Polokwane. After 10 years in retail, she had mastered the art of selling and was
considered one of the best in her team. In 1997, her life took an unexpected turn when
her eldest son was badly injured in a taxi accident near Lebowakgomo. The injuries
required constant care, and Mahlodi had no choice but to resign from her job to look
after him full-time.
Although the accident tested her spirit, Mahlodi refused to give up. She drew strength
from the lessons she had learnt in retail sales – that patience, persistence, and a clear
plan were the keys to success. For nearly five years she survived on prayer and hope,
but by 2002 she realised that tears alone would not feed her family. She needed a plan.
Mahlodi noticed that in nearby villages such as Ga-Mphahlele and Turfloop, there was
growing demand for catering at weddings and funerals. At that time, very few
businesses were serving township and rural markets. She started small – selling cold
drinks and ice at events. After two years, she realised she could do more. Having
supplied caterers with drinks and ice, she saw the profits that lay in controlling the
supply chain. She knew the suppliers, had cooking skills, and understood customers.
