By 
Thabo Makwaba from Thaba Nchu in the Free State is one inspirational figure who, despite difficult circumstances found a way to turn his passion for food into a profitable business and created jobs while at it.
Like many, Makwaba was a victim of the scourge of unemployment in the country, but he had a dream and a passion for cooking whereby he would mix things up and create a unique palatable dish. Before finding his niche, while trying to escape the unemployment prison, he fixed cell phones and TVs.
In 2012, the entrepreneur realised that he has a special gift, his mix masala recipe; he then ventured into starting a fast food business and named it after his recipe Mix Masala. Not only did he start the business but he set a trend within the sector in Thaba Nchu that his competitors also followed.
“The way I was making things, it was mix masala, putting cucumber in it and people were talking too much negative things, but now they have copied it. I started it myself and now everyone has it on their menu,” said Thabo Makwaba.
Makwaba sells his unique fast food next to the Traffic Department in Thaba Nchu from a mobile trailer he received from Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), which he benefited from the Bizniz in a Box initiative by both the company and the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
The creative Makwaba says he met Caroline Nyahuye from Coca-Cola who told her about the initiative, and entered the competition for funding of which he received the mobile trailer, chairs and table amongst others.
Mix Masala is currently employing five people and sells chips, mix masala skhambane or kota, beko (fat cakes) plate and drinks.
“Currently the business fluctuates, it is up and down but it is coming to a point where I want it,” said Makwaba.
The inspirational entrepreneur has great ambitions for his business venture; he says he wants to open a big restaurant in the township (kasi) and a complex where one would find everything, ranging from internet café, small shops and chesanyama, salon, car wash, cell phones shops and game rooms for kids.
When you are in Thaba Nchu, take a spin to Mix Masala and grab a bite and enjoy the unique recipe.
