By Gofaone Motsamai

A social sciences and economics student at North-West University’s Mahikeng Campus is balancing the demands of academic life with running a minicab business.

Maano Rambwa, now in his final year, ventured into entrepreneurship in 2023 when he launched Candy Corner, a small business selling sweets around campus. “I saved the money from that for two years,” he says.

He used his savings to purchase a vehicle, which is now registered under the Bolt e-hailing service and to offer private transport services to students and residents in Mahikeng.

Financial necessity motivated him to become an entrepreneur. “I would run out of the money my parents gave me after buying groceries,” he explains. Rather than asking for more, Rambwa chose to create his own income. “I understood the pressure they were under,” he says, explaining that his parents are funding his studies, his sister’s tuition at the University of Cape Town and his brother’s school fees.

Running a business while studying requires structure and self-discipline. “I try to study one chapter every day to reduce stress when it’s time for tests or assignments,” said Rambwa. Attending classes, working ahead and sticking to a study routine helps maintain an academic balance.

His business does not interfere with his academic goals. Instead, it supports them, offering financial independence and the chance to gain practical experience outside the classroom.

When it comes to managing money, Rambwa offers fellow students some key lessons. One is to prioritise spending on groceries and to steer clear of unnecessary purchases such as alcohol.

Other important tips are to save for emergencies, learning to say no when people ask to borrow money and thinking twice about expensive outings.

Maano Rambwa