From stool to throne
Lere Mgayiya (right) had a rough first day in business with just basic chairs and no pedestals for his customers. Now his business offers clients plush leather armchairs to relax in whilst getting their shoes shined.
Investing winnings
When he started shining shoes, Mgayiya had no experience. He often slipped and got polish on his customers' socks which upset people.
From employee to employer
Mgayiya can afford to smile now that has business is seeing success, but he has known failure in the past when he was fired from South African Airways and then lost his investment in a tree-planting company.
Determination in the face of failure leads to success
When Mgayiya was awarded 250 000 Rand ($23,800) after winning the SAB Kickstart competition he reinvested the money in his business, buying more chairs and a branded van to transport equipment
Supporting small business
Mgayiya acknowledges his company needed the support of the South African airports to thrive. He says the government should monitor large businesses who support smaller businesses, and reward them.