Rudicca Ntaloi

Rudicca’s Building A Brighter Future

Words and Photography: Yonga Balfour

Rudicca Ntalo is one dedicated Big Issue entrepreneur who aspires to run her own business one day. Until such time, she is determined to take her magazine sales to new heights.

“I am always at my pitch, come rain or sunshine. At The Big Issue, we support and encourage each other as entrepreneurs on how to go about making good sales. For example, if I sell 50 copies, I can earn more han R1 000, which allows me to restock and sell more copies while the issue is still new. This strategy has helped me to save enough money to last me until the next issue and support my family,” she says.

Rudicca sells magazines on the busy corner of Buitengracht and Strand streets in Cape Town. She has been selling the magazine for almost seven years and is no stranger to working independently to make ends meet.

“I used to sell home accessories for someone else. That’s when I realised that I’m good at working with people. I can be my own boss without losing out on profits.

“Selling the magazine is empowering. My customers are friendly people and are always happy. Even when they don’t buy the publication in the last week of it being on sale, they continue supporting me with tips or just stopping by to have a chat.

“This makes me feel good about myself and my services.”

Setting goals

Rudicca is a single mother of one child and takes care of her mother, two siblings and niece and nephew. She says selling the magazine is a stepping stone to reach some of her personal goals:

“My dream is to own a small business one day, selling home essentials. In the meantime, I am trying to save money to build my mother a house back home in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. I would also love to put the children through varsity and watch them make a name for themselves some day.”

We need your help

“Rudicca would appreciate any assistance with school necessities for her child, niece and nephew. She also welcomes any donations of building materials. To assist Rudicca, contact The Big Issue on (021) 461 6690.”