Started from the bottom
Gerhard Etuna is creating employment opportunities for fellow youths through his business ventures.
for independence is what led then 22-year-old Gerhard Etuna to start his own business selling second-hand Volkswagen parts on a commission basis to meet his daily needs while still in school.
Etuna, now 27, said he grew tired of asking for basic things like food from his friends in the hostel and felt the need to start doing something that could earn him a dollar or two. With both his parents being unemployed at the time, it further spurred him on to start earning an income.
“I just wanted something to do and I realised that I can actually do something to improve my situation,” he said.
An eye for opportunity
Etuna often went around town in search of old Volkswagen parts to sell to individuals, scrapyards and panel beaters.
“The Volkswagen family had been experiencing a tough time in business selling second-hand parts.
“I realised that the parts someone needs could be in someone else’s backyard,” he said. Selling car parts was an immediate success for Etuna as it proved to be profitable from the get-go. With the money he was earning, he managed to meet his basic needs and also to save.
Innovation played a crucial role as Etuna marketed his business via social media. With his vast network, he often advertised via his WhatsApp status as well, and encouraged his contacts to share his advertisements too.
This has proved successful and he said social media has changed the business atmosphere. “You no longer need to go door-to-door to market and sell your products.”
Etuna has managed to save up and recently bought a shop in Khomasdal where he operates his business activities. He currently also employees two students and has a wide range network of people all over the country who aid him with sales.
He said although he started his business alone, he would have never made it without his family, friends and loyal clients who would often share what he does and refer people to him.
“They really helped us get the database of clientele we have today,” he said proudly.
Etuna is also a student leader and offers assistance to learners.
He further advised young people to get involved in business activities at a young age so that when they finish school and do not manage to get employed, they at least have something to fall back on.
Etuna, now 27, said he grew tired of asking for basic things like food from his friends in the hostel and felt the need to start doing something that could earn him a dollar or two. With both his parents being unemployed at the time, it further spurred him on to start earning an income.
“I just wanted something to do and I realised that I can actually do something to improve my situation,” he said.
An eye for opportunity
Etuna often went around town in search of old Volkswagen parts to sell to individuals, scrapyards and panel beaters.
“The Volkswagen family had been experiencing a tough time in business selling second-hand parts.
“I realised that the parts someone needs could be in someone else’s backyard,” he said. Selling car parts was an immediate success for Etuna as it proved to be profitable from the get-go. With the money he was earning, he managed to meet his basic needs and also to save.
Innovation played a crucial role as Etuna marketed his business via social media. With his vast network, he often advertised via his WhatsApp status as well, and encouraged his contacts to share his advertisements too.
This has proved successful and he said social media has changed the business atmosphere. “You no longer need to go door-to-door to market and sell your products.”
Etuna has managed to save up and recently bought a shop in Khomasdal where he operates his business activities. He currently also employees two students and has a wide range network of people all over the country who aid him with sales.
He said although he started his business alone, he would have never made it without his family, friends and loyal clients who would often share what he does and refer people to him.
“They really helped us get the database of clientele we have today,” he said proudly.
Etuna is also a student leader and offers assistance to learners.
He further advised young people to get involved in business activities at a young age so that when they finish school and do not manage to get employed, they at least have something to fall back on.
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