South Africa: Enny Khombomone Mthembi

Enny Khombomone Mthembi’s journey is one of quiet resilience, learning, and steady transformation through entrepreneurship. Through the Sunrise Campaign, she learned to stand up for herself, treat her children equally, manage her time and finances, and embrace new skills such as using a computer and marketing her products. 

These lessons became the backbone of her business, which operates through online and door‑to‑door sales of blankets, curtains, skirts, beans, atchaar, and clothing—built without a physical shop and often without transport. As her confidence and independence grew, so did her customer base, strengthened by personalised service, strong relationships, and consistent promotion on social media. Although she faced challenges such as delivery logistics, high production costs, limited packaging and branding, and competition from larger businesses, Enny adapted by diversifying her products, improving quality control, saving through a stokvel, and keeping careful records of her income and expenses.

 Today, her business provides greater financial stability, flexibility, and respect within her family and community, reflecting how determination, adaptability, and support can turn a small idea into a source of dignity, security, and hope for long‑term growth.