A woman on a mission

KNYSNA NEWS - How many hours are there in a day? Peggy Dlephu, a woman who wears many hats will have you questioning whether we really have 24 hours a day and whether we're really designed to sleep at all.

The owner of Peggy's African Art and Tours, a soup kitchen, a mother of an 18-year-old, and assisting Siphuncedo preschool, Peggy is a woman on a mission and a force to be reckoned with.

The 45-year-old, who boasts a George Business Chamber entrepreneur of the year award, says that before venturing into any of the projects she had to first make sure she had everything she needed, because "venturing into a project without first making sure that your needs are taken care of and that you have enough resources to fully execute the task, you’re setting yourself up for failure”.

Other projects
She runs a soup kitchen in White Location that feeds about 95 children twice a week (Wednesday and Friday) and her latest project is assisting Siphuncedo preschool, which is also located in the area, by raising funds to build an adequate structure.

Peggy walks in at the preschool and the children start screaming her name and run towards her, probably because she always visits bearing gifts and because they are genuinely happy to see her.

Her vibrant spirit and smile allow her to work with people from different walks of life with ease.

After almost 23 years in the art business, Peggy decided to spread her wings and try out other business opportunities, which is when she started her township tours. "Four years later and I haven't looked back," she says.

Siphuncedo preschool in White Location is also one of Peggy Dlephu's projects.

Challenge to prove herself
Dlephu says her biggest challenge in all her years as a business owner was "being a woman and black".

"I think in this country you are put under so much scrutiny for being both – often people take you for granted and have very little faith in you and you constantly have to prove yourself, which is exhausting."

Her proudest moment in all her business ventures, she says, is witnessing her staff grow in the business and being the reason behind people's smiles.

"Nothing more rewarding. I have never been one to give handouts but 'hand-ups' – if you're hungry for change and I'm in a position to help in any way then I'll do so from the goodness of my heart. Had it not been for the people who believed in me when I needed them to, I wouldn't be where I am today, so I am only helping people become who they were destined to be."

The always cheerful Peggy Dlephu outside her gallery. Photos: Nwabisa Pondoyi.