Khathu Maphari
Nominee's Province:
Eastern Cape
Age:
45
Project Name/Description:
Khathu Maphari describes the global pandemic as the darkest period in her life. She lost everything – her home, her business and, most importantly, her confidence. But Khathu dug deep and took inspiration from her second name, which is Patience, and she put one foot in front of the other and is now more successful than ever. While MTN has been a key factor in her journey back to herself, her relationship with the telecommunications company dates as far back as 2018 when she participated in a business incubation programme hosted by the MTN Foundation. Khathu opened Khuphulanani Training Institute (KTI) in 2012. Through it, she provides critical digital training and a range of educational upskilling opportunities to unemployed youth, women, and people living with disabilities across South Africa. But her business came to a grinding halt in 2020 when the Covid pandemic hit. “The pandemic left me facing significant financial losses, the loss of my business equipment, my office, and even my home. It was one of the darkest periods of my life,” she says. But the 45-year-old says the setback became a powerful comeback. “The first support I received was through the MTN Women in Digital Programme, where I was honoured to be recognised and awarded a prize of R100 000. This support came at a crucial time in my entrepreneurial journey and played a significant role in rebuilding and strengthening Khuphulanani Training Institute, ensuring that the organisation had a stronger and more professional identity than before,” she says. And best of all, Khuphulanani Training Institute is now an implementation partner of the MTN Foundation to deliver digital skills training programmes. “I waited five years for the opportunity that would eventually change my life. “Dreams take time. Success takes patience. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep doing the work even when nobody is watching. One opportunity can change everything, but you must still be standing when it arrives,” she says.
