Xolani Nkomityhoboza

Vendor Xolani Nkomityhoboza is a family man who is proud to be a Big Issue entrepreneur. The father of five children (and three dogs) joined The Big Issue in 2009, after being retrenched at his previous workplace.“I have to work hard to provide for my kids and dogs because they depend on me for their next meal. Having many children also makes you an instant expert on all things child-related. Even when I come home tired from selling the magazine, I have to be a fun and energetic father who plays around with his kids and dogs without moaning,” he says.

Xolani is a sterling example of a vendor who is reaping the rewards of persevering and being dedicated in selling the magazine. In recent years, he has been able to purchase, among other things, a pre-owned bakkie from his magazine sales. He also simply enjoys being his own boss. “I have worked for different companies in the past and I don’t wish to be employed again because I like my independence, and doing things at my own pace.“For example, if I was working full-time, I would have to apply for leave to take my dogs to the veterinary clinic. As an entrepreneur, I can take the afternoon off and do whatever I want to,” he explains.

PAW PATROL

Xolani has a special bond with his canine friends. “Every Thursday, I take the dogs to the veterinary clinic for their injections, which cost me R30 per dog – that’s R90 a week and R360 a month. It’s not always easy to raise the money but I have dedicated my Thursday morning sales to my dogs’ health. Even though my wife insists that I give my dogs to the SPCA, I will never do that because they are part of my big family,” he says.Xolani, who lives in Delft, is thankful for the support and opportunities he has received from The Big Issue. “I’m forever grateful to be a vendor. The relationship that I have with my customers is genuine love and they understand that I rely on them to survive. No one would spend more than 10 years of their lives doing something that they do not enjoy,” he adds.