Running a small business in South Africa takes more than courage—it takes a kind of quiet bravery that few ever see.
Every morning, entrepreneurs rise with heavy hearts and heavier responsibilities: rent that won’t wait, stock that must be bought, salaries depending on you, bills piling up, and the endless red tape that seems designed to drain your energy.
We knock on doors looking for clients, only to hear the same painful words: “There’s no budget.” We fill out funding applications, clinging to hope, only to wait for months—or worse, to be met with silence.
And yet, despite the setbacks, despite the exhaustion, we pick ourselves up, wipe our tears, and try again the next day.
What the world doesn’t see are the invisible battles—lying awake at night, wondering if the business will survive another month. The sinking feeling when days go by without a sale. The self-doubt whispering that maybe we are not good enough. The loneliness of carrying a dream that feels like no one else truly understands.
Yet, despite all this, small business owners keep going. We push, we sacrifice, we adapt. Because deep down, we know:
👉🏾 we are building more than just businesses—we are building hope for our families, jobs for our communities, and a future for our country.
To every entrepreneur reading this:
💡 You are not weak because you struggle.
💡 You are not failing because things are hard.
💡 You are human—and you are not alone.
We see you. We respect you. We believe in you.
Keep going. Your effort matters more than you know.
Do not be afraid to:
- Raise your hands
- To ask for help
- To spend that extra sweat.
It is people like you who, one day will look back and say, it was tough but I made it!
In my experience as a former Bank Manager, I have noted that the successful entrepreneurs are who stuck it out when it was toughest. They have coaching and consulting support.
I have grown great respect for entrepreneurs who continued to believe in themselves, when no longer did. That you have come this far, is a testament of the greatness in you. Invest in yourself. Get all the necessary support. Remember you don’t have to travel this journey alone.
If this article speaks to you, let’s connect. You will thank yourself later.
Sabakhe Mahlangu – is a Former Bank Manager | Coach | Lecturer | Entrepreneur
- 🌐 Website: www.nemba.co.za
- 📩 Email: sabakhe@nemba.co.za
- 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabakhemahlangu/
- 📘 Facebook Business Page: https://web.facebook.com/sabakhe.mahlangu
- 🐦 Twitter/X: @Sabakhe