By SIHLE MKHIZE
Many may know her as the Durban based charismatic socialite and professional photographer.
Her name is Gugu Mqadi (36) and she became well known almost a decade ago when she worked as a photographer for a local newspaper company and late for eThekwini Metro.
But recently, she felt it was time she temporarily switched off her camera and put the lenses aside and explore other avenues in life that she has always had a wish for – the business side of things. Gugu is now known as ‘usisi womleqwa’, because of her new business adventure where she sells boiled chicken and fermented dumplings, a meal commonly known as ‘Umleqwa’ in isiXhosa. She also does deliveries around Durban and surrounding areas.
“I started my business during the lockdown last year. I got the inspiration from my sister Sebenzile Mqadi,” she says.
“I started selling uncooked full chickens, surprisingly the demand just sky rocketed. Now boiled full chicken with dumplings is also available. The business is booming and I have supportive customers,” she says.
Gugu’s main target market are various corporate industry employees around Durban and other places like Port Shepstone because they hardly have time to cook chicken the traditional way.
“It’s a pity that Sebenzile, who inspired me, is currently residing in Pretoria where she works as a Dietician. She instilled love for cooking to me. I would have loved to have her involved in this venture,” Gugu said.
She went on to reveal that she was born and bred in the south coast, in Gamalakhe outside Port Shepstone, but she currently resides and operates her business from Glenwood in Durban.
Gugu urged everyone not to give up and keep trying different businesses.
To place orders please contact her on WhatsApp 082 932 0359. On Facebook and Instagram she is Gugu Mqadi.
