Catastrophe opens a new door

When a Buffalo City mom was dumped into the world of theunemployedat the beginning of this year, it felt like a catastrophe. Pheliswa “Pearl” Tshungutshungu, 30, has a family to feed, and she loved her job. But now she’s having the time of her life, growing a small business that feeds schoolchildren in her community.

Tshungutshungu was born and raised in Sulenkama, a small village in Qumbu. Like many young people from rural areas, she worked hard to build a stable life. She moved to BCM in 2019, and for three years, worked as a teacher at a daycare centre in Amalinda, creating educational activities for her young learners and assisting with their daily routines.

“I loved working with children, it was more than just a job. It was my passion.” But, in December 2025, her contract came to an end due to funding challenges at the school. She was officially informed in January, just a day before schools were due to reopen.

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“It was shocking, with a family to support, rent to pay and many other bills. I had to act and think fast.” Then, mourning her time at daycare centre, Tshungutshungu had a big, bold idea. She had often noticed how many children came to school either without lunch or carrying unhealthy food options.

“That inspired me,” she said. “I knew I could create affordable and balanced lunch packs for kids. “I wanted to provide them with something fresh, healthy and child-friendly.” She decided then and there she would start her own lunch pack business.

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