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Nokukhanya Makhathini used all her savings and pension fund to open an internet cafe to help develop her historically disadvantaged community of Inanda, KwaZulu Natal, with information and communication technology skills.
On Monday last week, her business, Stepping Stones Technologies at Dube Village Mall, was not spared by the looters. Makhathini said she had lost two computer labs and an internet cafe.
"I could not believe my eyes when I was greeted by broken shelves and empty spaces where we had computers and printers.
My heart broke into pieces because I used all my savings together with my pension to bring change in my community," said Makhathini who runs the business with her sister.
Makhathini said she started the business in 2010 with only three computers and a small printer and she was working in her lounge back then.
However, with the growing demands of the business she resigned she quit her job and used her savings and pension fund to expand her business.
Makhathini said at first they could not secure reasonable space.
"It was not easy to obtain accreditation for our business and we never got any funding from the government.
"However, with hard work and dedication we managed to employ 10 permanent staff members and five temporary staff. As a result of the Covid-19 we had to let others go and we were left with five permanent staff members and only three temporary staff," she said.
"It is sad because even the remaining staff is currently out of work awaiting direction of how we move forward. As things stand they won't be receiving any income to support their families."
Makhathini said the business was important for community members.
"There's a significant high rate of unemployment in this area. Computer skills are very essential in securing employment or starting your own business.
Stepping Stone believes in giving back to the community by conducting free computer courses to individuals identified by the leaders of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the community.
"We also provide sponsorships to NGOs, football clubs and creches around the area. We believe in support and development of the disadvantaged and vulnerable communities," she said.
Makhathini said it was going to take some time to rebuild the business as the damages were estimated to be about R1.5m.
"This is the money that we will use to replace 50 desktop computers, 50 chairs, photocopier/network printer, server, heat press machine, Vinyl Cutter, sublimation printer and network cabling," she said.
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