As the country celebrates Women’s Month, director and business owner of Shoes Guest House and Catering Services in Mthatha, Tembisa Zihlangu (70), is encouraging women to explore every possible avenue to achieve success in life.
Zihlangu has held various leadership roles within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and has assisted many community members in different capacities. As a mother, community builder, and formidable businesswoman in the Eastern Cape, she is a beacon of inspiration.
Although currently residing in Airport Extension/Mdeni locality in Mthatha, she was born and raised in Nabileyo locality in Ngquthura village under the AB Xuma Local Municipality in Dutywa.
Reflecting on her journey
“Before my business became successful, I went through a lot. That is why I advise women never to give up. I tried many business ventures that failed, but I kept going.
“It was not easy, but eventually, I began to see progress. As a woman, you must never give up. You can stand on your own without relying on a man. Just because things aren’t going well doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel,” she said.
Zihlangu emphasises that the key lessons from her story are perseverance and the importance of fighting for what you want.
She believes women should remain hopeful even during challenging times.
She adds that success starts from the bottom: “When someone wants to be successful, they start at the bottom and work their way up. When you finally reach the top, do not forget where you came from. Stay humble and follow God’s teachings,” she noted.
Zihlangu attributes her entrepreneurial skills to her late mother, Nontuthuzelo Zihlangu, who sold sweets and fat cakes.
Witnessing her mother’s hard work shaped her own aspirations, though she admits it was not an easy path.
An advocate for independence
To broaden her life perspective, Zihlangu has travelled to countries like Mauritius, Namibia and Mozambique. She hopes to inspire young girls to become independent, urging them to avoid reliance on men for financial stability.
“Many young girls believe having a man with money solves everything. Some even enter relationships or marriages without love, purely for financial support. This can lead to abuse. That’s why I urge young women to be self-reliant,” she said.
Zihlangu recently turned 70 and expressed gratitude to God for her life. Although retired and mostly at home, she still manages her responsibilities, including those related to her church congregation, using her phone.
Her vision for a better future
Her final wish is to see a drug-free South Africa.
“Many of our children are being destroyed by drug use. I hope one day our country can be free from this crisis because if it continues, we won’t have leaders emerging from the next generation,” she stated.
