MAKONDE - Skhumbuzo Munyai (32) of Makonde Village outside Thohoyandou is sending an inspirational and constructive message to all South Africans, that it is possible to beat hunger and poverty even when one is unemployed.

Instead of engaging himself in criminal activities, Munyai took everyone by surprise when he created a fulltime job for himself in the little rural village of Makonde. He is the darling of hungry stomachs who depend on his makwanda (ox hooves), which he cooks and sells to the public on a daily basis in a half-done, makeshift structure next to a public road.

He can now support his family and, at the same time, contribute to the economic development of the country.

“I will never engage myself in crime, because I know it is against humanity. I can see that the government is struggling to provide all of us with job opportunities but we have to be creative and do something for ourselves instead of blaming our leaders. I thought carefully and decided to start an informal business which will help me to survive while, at the same time, feeding the hungry stomachs of my community…”

Munyai told Mirror that he worked for different construction contracts, but he was not earning enough as a layman.

“I had the urge of becoming my own boss and I saved money to buy my first stock. At first I thought it wouldn’t work, but people are now supporting my business because they know that I am contributing towards their lives. I can now put some food on the table and I no longer go to bed with a hungry stomach. I would like to pass my message to other unemployed South Africans that it is time to wake up and work hard to develop their communities. We are the masters of our own destiny, and it is our responsibility to make sure that we improve ourselves by doing something that will benefit our society.”

Munyai’s regular customer, Patrick Tshinwamukovho (33) said: “This man is an inspiration and a true reflection of what self-dependence is. We are proud of him because he has set a clear example that it is possible to live, even when one is unemployed. No one ever thought that a former layman in a construction company could become a hero who feeds us on a daily basis.”

Skhumbuzo is also the No 1 fan of Black Leopards and he commands a huge respect among the local soccer fans. When he is not at work ,he is often seen at Black Leopards’ games dancing while wearing a wig, a skirt and a bra.