Imagine working six to seven days a week and still struggling to afford basic necessities like nappies for your children or a fridge for your household. This is the reality for Rhino, Wiseman, Pumlani, and Lunga—four hardworking Zulu tradesmen we hired and worked with in South Africa last year.

Last year, while helping Tam with the renovation of her dad's house, we hired these fellas to help on weekends. Through working alongside them, I noticed their exceptional work ethic and skill firsthand. Despite their full-time jobs, they take on additional work over weekends due to their extremely low wages (approximately $12 AUD for a full day’s work, minus $3-4 for daily transport). Even with their relentless efforts, they continue to struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families.

These fellas are skilled and experienced tradesmen who can plan projects, estimate materials, and deliver great results. However, in South Africa—a country with the world's highest official unemployment rate of 33.5%—employers often exploit the labour force, leaving workers like these men with little choice but to accept unfair wages.

During our time working together, they suggested that I should start a business and hire them to ensure they earned a fair wage. Upon further reflection and discussions with my mate Carlos, I realized they don’t need another employer; what they really need is an opportunity to start their own business. As a tradesman with a small business myself, I can see that these guys have the skills and motivation necessary to run a successful business of their own.

THE PLAN: A reliable work vehicle, essential tools, and some startup funding, would be all they need to get going. Not only would this venture allow them to earn fair wages and provide for their families, but it could also create fair-paying job opportunities for others in their community.

This GoFundMe campaign seeks to make that vision a reality. Our goal is to raise $10,000, which will be allocated as follows:

• $6-7,000 for a dependable work vehicle

• $1-2,000 for essential tools and work clothing

• $1,500 for advertising and marketing

• $500 for startup expenses

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS: By contributing, you are not just donating money; you are empowering Rhino, Wiseman, Pumlani, and Lunga to break free from the cycle of working poverty. This funding will hopefully enable them to create a sustainable business and achieve financial independence. Your support has the potential to transform their lives and positively impact their community.

LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN: To kickstart this initiative, I am personally contributing $1,000. Every donation, regardless of size, brings us closer to our goal. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network would be greatly appreciated.

Together, we can help these hardworking fellas build a better future. Thanks in advance legends