He dropped out of the university due to a lack of funds, but that was not the end of his life. He thought of different plans to make money and he eventually ventured into a woman’s world. Can you imagine a man braiding women’s hair? This is the inspiring story of Itani Tseisa (35) of Vondwe village, outside Thohoyandou.

“I thought of doing something different after dropping out while I was studying for a BA degree at the University of Venda in 1998. I told myself that I had to use my brains and hands to survive, as I would no longer be able to further my studies. We can defy poverty and unemployment but our people are too lazy to come up with fruitful initiatives. I taught myself all these skills because I knew I would be successful if I did something different and unusual.”

Itani does his trade in the street in central Thohoyandou. He does hair braiding, straight back, singles, hair extensions and plaiting (u luka). His customers include high-profile women and young girls who are always satisfied with his unique skills.

“I have never had male customers since I started my trade in 1998. My customers include senior government officials, executives from the private sector, beauty queens and members of the immediate public. I’m not yet ready to hire a building because I’m using the little cash I earn to support my unemployed wife, Suzan, and kids Phumudzo (7) and Vele (1).”

The self-taught hair stylist says he can take about R200 home on a busy day.

“If there is no business, I can at least take R50 home, which is better than not doing anything at all…” His prices range from R10 to R150, depending on the style desired by the customer.

Itani encourages other unemployed community members to wake up and do something for survival.

“There is no longer a specific job for a specific gender in today’s world. Time for sleeping is over and we have to work very hard to fight poverty and hunger. The government cannot provide everyone with a job and it is our responsibility to create our own jobs…”

One of Itani’s frequent customers, Mudanalwo Mukhuwana said: “I always come to him because he does an impressive job on my head...”