TEDxWomen

Malehlohonolo Moleko

Malehlohonolo Moleko is a baker, small-business owner, mentor, and mother from Boipatong Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. Six years ago, at 32, Malehlohonolo opened her first business—a bakery—near the local factory. The bakery grew popular and now serves full-plate meals to the nearby workers. Malehlohonolo turned her lifelong passion of cooking into a source of income to help support her family and pay for her son’s education.

However, managing her business has not been easy. Malehlohonolo had trouble staying profitable; she lacked an efficient system for restocking her supplies, and the day-to-day expenses of supporting a family were often overwhelming. She knew she needed a more efficient way to manage her business and expenses—what she was missing were the specific business skills that would help her achieve this. The turning point for her was an entrepreneurial business skills workshop, offered to women entrepreneurs as part of The Coca-Cola Company’s 5by20 initiative.

Malehlohonolo is now a mentor to women in her community, sharing with them the knowledge she has gained by owning her own business. She dreams of seeing her son graduate from business school, buying a home, and continuing to grow her business. These dreams are possible now that she has the entrepreneurial skills she needs.

6 Responses to Malehlohonolo Moleko

1. Jacqui says:

   December 5, 2012 at 8:41 am

   Miss M- what an inspiration you are. i first heard your speech at Coca-Cola, Park town. Can i invite you to come and speak at our womens meeting?

   Reply
   • Mark Kelley says:

     December 11, 2012 at 7:22 pm

     Great story of what determination, strong will, and drive can do. As she stated, she is nt alone. More intelligent women are ready and on their way into the business world!!!!

     Reply
2. Bongi says:

   December 6, 2012 at 9:07 am

   Malehlohonolo you are such an inspiration. I wish all women from impoverished communities could emulate you.

   Reply
3. Thoko Unyolo says:

   December 6, 2012 at 9:27 am

   Dear Malehlohonolo, This a very inspiring story and well done . Please can you share how you found out about the workshop.

   Kind regards
   Thoko (Malawi)

   Reply
4. Sue says:

   March 26, 2013 at 3:30 pm

   So impressed and so very proud of you and your story – wishing you the great success that you deserve. Blessings!

   Reply
5. Coceka Nkala says:

   April 18, 2013 at 9:58 am

   I would like to start my own business as well in baking to be precise been struggling to raise capital since 2009 I would like you to help me.

   Reply