5. Xolani Mashaya & The Avenue Cafe

Born in the province of Kwazulu-Natal on South Africa's east coast, Xolani moved to Alexandra in 2009 to pursue both educational and business opportunities. After completing his college studies, he started working at an internet café, gaining valuable experience before opening his own in a different, high-traffic part of Alex. Situated on a busy street next to a school and clinic, his internet café caters to a steady stream of customers. His services include photocopying, scanning and printing for both B2B and B2C clients.

Beyond providing basic internet services, he has expanded his offerings to include business consultancy, helping locals with company registrations, tax clearances, business profiles, and brand identity creation. His community-focused services also extend to assisting with CV creation and job applications, aiming to empower job seekers. With a strong social media presence and tech-savviness, he has managed to keep his business relevant in the digital age. Despite his growth, he faces challenges in record-keeping, marketing, and acquiring new skills to remain competitive. Currently, he employs two staff members, contributing to local job creation while continuing to uplift his community through his entrepreneurial efforts.