Tucked away in the heart of a busy residential yard, Mapula’s laundry business thrives quietly at the end of a winding, maze-like passage. The path, flanked by numerous homes, leads curious customers through a couple of twists and turns before revealing Mapula’s modest home-based operation. At the entrance gate, a weathered piece of wood with a hand-scrawled sign displays all her services. The yard is cluttered with colourful laundry lines strung between walls, with the rhythmic sound of water sloshing from old but sturdy washing machines. Mapula’s laundry is a lifeline for customers who cannot afford their own washing machine.

Mapula started the laundry business in 2023 after losing her job at a bank, taking a leap of faith to support her family. With limited savings, she invested in a few washing machines and set up a small, home-based operation. Through hard work, dedication, and a personal touch, her business grew steadily. Her resilience not only helped her provide for her family but also inspired others to turn adversity into opportunity. Today, she’s a proud business owner, with plans to expand and create jobs in her community. Her challenges include record keeping and marketing. She considers her business to be a social enterprise, combining a tangible social impact in her community with financial viability.