by Gerrit Bester
Fresh from the stage, after graduating on Thursday, 15 May, with an Advanced Diploma in Project Management, Buhle Sindane (26) didn’t get a chance to celebrate. She had a catering job waiting and rushed straight from the ceremony to work elsewhere on the Pretoria Campus – showing her dedication and hustle, always ready to seize every opportunity, no matter the circumstances.
“I couldn’t drop the ball. I had to ensure that everything was perfect and served on time,” she says.
After about an hour, she returned to the green lawns of the Theunis Bester Hall to celebrate with her mother, Christina; sister, Blessing; and boyfriend, Mahlaule.
Buhle’s catering business, Magnitude of Flavours (MOF), operates from a trailer parked outside the West gate of the Pretoria Campus.
Buhle Sindane (26) in front of the trailer from which she operates Magnitude of Flavours, her catering business.
The business had an interesting start, but first things first.
“As the firstborn, I was placed in front of a stove at a very young age and over time I have learnt to love it,” says Buhle.
“My granny, Lettie Zondi, was a great cook and taught me a lot. I use some of her recipes and have modernised them. I also love watching cooking channels.”
The business actually started in her third year, right in the Orion res on the Pretoria Campus, when Buhle spotted a need for after-hours catering for students.
She quickly became renowned for her sphatlho or kota, best described as a South African street food (sandwich with meat and French fries) popular in all provinces.
“When I moved out of Orion, I received invaluable support from the TUT Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, where the business was incubated. The Centre taught me a great deal about running a business. Not only did they instill in me an entrepreneurial mindset, but they also provided coaching and played a significant role in turning my dream into reality”, she says.
“This year, the business really took off, with orders pouring in. Magnitude of Flavours specialises in platters, fast foods and warm comfort meals, but we’re flexible.”
She employs at least six people and has also acquired bicycles to allow for easy delivery on campus.
Buhle adds that her Advanced Diploma in Project Management has been invaluable in running her business. “It has taught me to mitigate risks and to deliver on time,” she explains.
What advice does she have for young entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses?
“It takes time. Be persistent, watch the journey unfold, network and talk to people,” she emphasises.
“The by-laws prohibit us from setting up gazebos and chairs for our customers. As a result, they must wait for their orders in the sun and often eat while sitting on the floor. This is one of the major challenges we face with the current system,” she explains.
Buhle has big dreams, including owning supermarkets and rooftop restaurants, among other goals.
For now, she is also focusing on her honours studies, which examine the effectiveness of networking as an entrepreneur.
Time to celebrate! Buhle at her graduation ceremony.
Contact Buhle as follows:
- WhatsApp: 081 398 5371
No time to drop the ball! At the catering job on her graduation day.