Ayanda Gasa

In 2017, I was recruited to Margate Health Consortium (MHC) where I used the customer care, management, and training skills I learned from TFG (@home) to assist patients. This was a whole new ball game. I became proficient in diagnostics, stress electrocardiograms, lung function testing, resting electrocardiograms, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, 24-hour electrocardiograms, sleep studies and titration. Furthermore, I gained valuable experience in handling patients’ medical aid queries; making utility payments; salary administration; drawing payslips; petty cash management; Pastel and Pay As You Earn (PAYE); VAT repayments; contracts; and the training of staff.

I was given an opportunity in 2018 to develop entrepreneurship skills by MHC and IESHER. I was able to secure financing to start a local and online pharmacy with a strong delivery system. I started the business with the intention of creating a better future for my children and generating employment opportunities in the community. Most important of all to me, however, is empowering other single mothers such as myself. I employ a young professional team of black individuals comprising of a black female and male administrator, a black driver, and a highly competent black female pharmacist. The main aim of the pharmacy is to provide rural communities ( Lusikisiki, Bizana, Flagstaff Harding, Izingolweni, and Kokstad) with high quality and affordable medication that is delivered to the doorsteps of the most vulnerable. Through Phila Pharmacy I am able to pursue my passion for serving  communities while securing my children’s future. I hope to pay forward the opportunity given to me by MHC and IESHER to other young, black, and single-parented visionaries. In turn, I wish for this to create a snowball effect of successful entrepreneurship in black communities.