By Siyamthanda kaNyambane
Growing up in the dusty streets of Esikhaleni outside Empangeni on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Siyabonga Khumalo always wanted one thing: to change the lives of the poor.
The 33-year-old Khumalo currently is busy with a project of building an estate in Port Durnford outside Esikhaleni.
The area has a scenic view of the ocean. Khumalo said that the people who will work on that project are the people from the same area.
“The land was given to me by my family and I have sat down with many investors… They have given me the green light to build an estate in the area.
“This will give locals jobs as they will have to build it, build roads and also for the maintenance of the area.
“Some will be able to get jobs in the cleaning sectors and also work at the shops that will help cater for the people that will be staying in the estate.
“We are planning to finish the estate project by September 2022,” said Khumalo who runs six companies.
Khumalo owns Isinamover Holdings which later gave birth to Bruce Luxury Interior, Isinamover Properties, Isinamover Entertainment, and Isinamover Foundation.
Speaking to The Purpose Magazine, Khumalo said that his business journey began at the age of 13 as a photographer. This was after his mother had given him a camera as a gift.
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“I remember sitting at the doorstep and listening to Stars by Zola 7,” he says. “My life changed in a second. My dream has always been to be my own boss.
“I knew very well it wouldn’t be possible to further my studies after matric… I had to find other means and that is how I was introduced to entrepreneurship,” he says.
“Growing up in a house that was run by a single parent, who was working at a local butchery made everyone look down upon us.
“This made me came up with Isinamover company to show them that whoever comes last, shines the most,” he said.
At the age of 22, Khumalo managed to buy himself his first car, a Dodge Caliber, and began building his mother a beautiful house.
Khumalo said that his Isinamover Foundation helps young children who love reading. He sponsors transportation for them to local libraries on weekends. He also funds disadvantaged kids to register in universities.
