by Rodger Mandhlazi
Vincent Ngwenya, 34, from Nkomazi in Mpumalanga, is a shining example of resilience and entrepreneurship. A professional chef with over a decade of experience, including a stint at one of the top hotels in the UK, Ngwenya’s life took an unexpected turn when he was retrenched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Instead of letting the setback define him, Ngwenya used it as an opportunity to transform his passion for food into a business. With limited resources but an abundance of determination, he started making and selling homemade pizzas from his home. “I started this business in 2020 after being retrenched. That’s why I call myself a product of COVID,” he said.
Just three months into his venture, the demand for his pizzas grew, prompting him to move into a rented space where he now operates his fast-growing pizza business, Nkomazi Pizza.
Bringing a traditionally urban favourite like pizza to a rural area was no easy feat. Ngwenya faced skepticism from many in the community who doubted he would survive in a market that some believed was saturated and too competitive. But he remained undeterred.
Today, Nkomazi Pizza has not only gained popularity among locals but has also become a beacon of quality and taste in the area. The business has created three jobs so far — employing two bakers and one motorbike delivery driver. “By employing these people, that’s the least I can do in fighting unemployment, especially in my area,” Ngwenya said in an interview.
Customers from far-flung parts of Nkomazi travel to get a taste of his beloved pizzas. For those who prefer convenience, orders can be placed via Facebook and WhatsApp, with deliveries made to their doorsteps.
Ngwenya’s pizzas range from a modest R60 to his best-seller, the R180 “Heavyweight” triple-decker. His commitment to taste, quality, and customer satisfaction has earned him a loyal following.
Looking ahead, Ngwenya has big plans for Nkomazi Pizza. Over the next five years, he aims to open four additional branches in Nkomazi and one in Mbombela. This expansion is expected to not only grow his brand but also generate more employment and contribute to the local economy.
From a retrenched chef to a thriving business owner, Vincent Ngwenya’s journey is an inspiring reminder that with passion, hard work, and a little bit of courage, it’s possible to turn adversity into opportunity.
