Postgraduate student Sharon Moatshe’s entrepreneurial spirit and sheer determination have seen her business navigate choppy waters during the pandemic.

Moatshe, who is completing her Master’s in Public Relations, says the ink on the lease agreement for her business, Sharon’s Café, located in Woodstock, had hardly dried when the pandemic struck.

 “I have always harboured an entrepreneurial spirit. While working at The Palms in 2019, a somewhat fortuitous chance of running events at the atrium was a major attraction in my decision to take over the coffee shop from a previous owner who was moving on,” she says.

“As we all know, Covid-19 threw a wrench into the running of any events. Rather than give up, I refurbished the premises, rebranded the shop and reopened in October 2020. It has been a journey of sheer grit running any business during the pandemic but especially hard for a young woman in her first business. I have fought, not just for myself but for my staff and their families.” 

Sharon grew up in Kagiso, on Johannesburg's West Rand, and came to Cape Town to study at CPUT.

She completed her Diploma and BTech in Public Relations at CPUT and her previous experience is in running events. She has also worked in radio, in communication and in the Non-Governmental Organisation field.

 “While not having kitchen experience, I have had a burning desire for good food in an environment that is welcoming and caring. I also believe in other people's capabilities, something that I have been proven right by the determination of my staff to keep fighting even in the most difficult of times. I have put my own stamp by learning on the job and it has been an absolute joy seeing my ideas transformed into a sumptuous plate of food.”

Among these ideas have been her coffee bean blend, Sharon’s Blend.

“For consistency in every cup, I sourced beans from a reliable supplier and had my barista pilot what we believed to be our best balance. We sell each pack with our barista’s advice on how to get the best taste out of Sharon’s blend.”

Sharon is also the Operations Director and a Board member of In-Kind SA, registered as Dzhavhelo Empowerment Group.

With the help of fellow directors and experienced staff, In-Kind runs a young writers’ competition called Young Minds of Mzansi, coding and robotics, and other cutting-edge interventions in the education ecosystem.

The aspiring academic, businesswoman and mother says Women’s Day reminds her of how much needs to be done to even out the gender disparities in the country and around the world.

“While every day should cause us to think about the role that women play in the families and in the economy, dedicating a day each year gives us pause and intentionality in acknowledging each other - and hopefully giving the men a chance to reflect about the women in their lives.”   

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Postgraduate student Tezna Abrahams PLY recently returned from the Paralympic Games in Paris where she proudly represented South Africa in track and field.

The MTech Sport Management student has only been participating in athletics for a short time but has emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

“I initially started in swimming, which was my first love, but I found my passion in athletics. The switch to track was actually a random idea. I got locally classified in 2022 but only started my track career in January 2023.

“The thrill of competition and the opportunity to excel in track and field pushed me to make the transition. Through athletics, I’ve discovered my true potential, allowing me to push my boundaries and explore new personal limits.”

She competes in the T44 classification, which is for athletes with lower limb impairments and has broken the African record in the long jump three times.

“My impairment has taught me resilience and perseverance. Sport has played a huge role in my life by giving me a platform to push past my limitations, excel, and inspire others. Breaking the African long jump record three times has been a highlight in showing that with dedication, I can surpass expectations and set new standards, not just for myself, but for other athletes facing similar challenges.

“Physically, my preparation includes rigorous training, strength conditioning, and focusing on techniques that enhance my performance in each event. Mentally, I've worked on maintaining a positive mindset, building mental resilience, and staying focused on my goals. Balancing both aspects is key to being at my best on the global stage.”

At the Paralympic Games she participated in the long jump and the 200m.
In the long jump she finished 11th in the final with a new African record of 4.46m. She recorded a personal best of 31.17 seconds in the 200m, securing 10th place.

“Representing South Africa on the global stage is an honour and a privilege. It’s not just about personal achievement; it’s about being a role model and showing the world the strength and potential of athletes with disabilities. It's a reminder that hard work and dedication can take you far, regardless of challenges.”

She said balancing her training with her studies, her work as a retention specialist in the iGaming industry, and spending time with family requires careful planning and time management.

“It’s about setting priorities, and I’m fortunate to have supportive people around me who understand the demands of my sport and career.”

Her message to young athletes, especially those with disabilities, is to never underestimate their abilities.

“Your challenges can become your strengths if you stay determined. The key is to believe in yourself and not let any limitations define your potential.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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