Sasol In Society Report - Book - Page 131
Feature
Story
Empowering dreams:
The inspiring journey
of Lucia Justino Sainda
Abstract: This case study explores the remarkable
journey of Lucia Justino Sainda, a resilient 27-yearold woman from the community of Pande, who
overcame adversity to become a successful
entrepreneur and a source of inspiration for
others. Lucia’s story is a testament to the
power of determination, education, and seizing
opportunities in the face of challenges.
Introduction: Lucia Justino Sainda, a native of
Pande, aspired to become a doctor when she
completed high school. However, her journey took
a different path, leading her to study management
and economics. In this case study, we delve into
Lucia’s transformative experiences during and
after her education, highlighting how she emerged
as a successful entrepreneur and a mentor for
budding business leaders in her community.
Educational Pursuits and Graduation Amidst
COVID-19: Lucia’s educational journey was
marked by determination. Despite her initial
dream of becoming a doctor, she adapted her
aspirations and graduated in 2020 with a degree
in management and economics. Unfortunately, the
job market was unfavorable due to the COVID-19
pandemic, limiting her options and prompting her
to explore alternative opportunities.
The Opportunity with GIZ and IFPELAC: In
2021, as economic prospects began to improve,
Lucia’s father brought home information about
an opportunity offered by GIZ and IFPELAC,
funded by Sasol as part of the Local Development
Agreements. Lucia, who had a passion for cooking
and had been honing her culinary skills at home,
saw potential in this opportunity. She expressed
her interest and provided her name for the
training programme, choosing to specialise in
food processing. The 45-day training programme
proved to be a transformative experience for her.
Entrepreneurial Ambitions and the Birth of
Lucymik Food: Inspired by the training, Lucia
envisioned a food supply business.
She founded Lucymik Food with her cousin, who
had also participated in the training. Her father’s
support, which included funds for a driver’s license
and an initial investment in selling used clothing,
helped her secure the necessary documentation
for her business. Lucia seized the opportunity to
make her entrepreneurial dream a reality.
The Impact of the GIZ Entrepreneurship
Programme: While Lucia was building Lucymik
Food, GIZ initiated an entrepreneurship
programme. She applied for a position as a
junior consultant, a role that would allow
her to assist in training and mentoring other
entrepreneurs. This position changed her life
both as an entrepreneur and as a professional.
It expanded her business vision, nurtured her
dreams of entrepreneurship, and broadened her
horizons on how to support others.
Diversifying into JULEN Constructions:
Lucia did not stop at Lucymik Food. She saw an
opportunity and founded JULEN Constructions,
a company specialising in providing mobile
bathrooms, tents, and chairs for events and
projects. This enterprise secured a substantial
contract to build a resettlement neighborhood
for Sasol, including 40 residences and a complete
primary school. Lucia also began supplying over
200 meals per day, a number set to increase with
the project’s expansion.
Job Creation and Commitment to Safety
and Sustainability: Lucymik Food now employs
ten individuals, comprising nine women and
one man. Lucia is actively working on meeting
Sasol’s stringent Safety, Health, and Environment
(SHE) standards, which are mandatory for all
service providers at this level. Her construction
company, JULEN, has secured a contract
exceeding one year and is actively seeking further
investments in the area.
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