Despite navigating the world as a single mother with a hearing disability, Nomathemba Liyeza still went after her dreams to become a businesswoman in the logistics industry.
Johannesburg, South Africa (30 April 2025) – As a single mother with a hearing disability, Nomathemba Liyeza’s entrepreneurial journey began with a deeply personal goal: to build a future for her children that would be free of the hardship she endured.
After earning her Diploma in Accounting and BTech in Internal Auditing, Nomathemba defied societal expectations by turning down the traditional career path to pursue her dream of building a business.
“Coming from a small township called Dark City situated near Bronkhorstspruit, I’ve always aspired to exceed what society expects of me,” she shares.
Through hard work and determination, Nomathemba established a logistics company, Themba Liyeza Logistics, originally focused on coal transportation. It has since expanded into warehousing, packaging, and most recently, international import and export services.
Despite facing barriers, including navigating the logistics industry with a hearing disability, she turned adversity into drive.
“My disability has only made me more determined to prove what’s possible.”
That tenacity led her into an enterprise programme over 18-months which equips entrepreneurs with tailored business training, mentorship, and a powerful network.
“The programme changed everything. From improving my operational systems to sharpening my leadership, it’s helped me scale my business and dream even bigger,” she says.
And the results have been incredible, award-winning in fact! Nomathemba was the recipient of a coveted award that recognised her outstanding performance, innovation, and resilience in scaling her freight forwarding and warehousing business.
With newfound determination and a financial boost as part of the award, Nomathemba is focused on expanding her business footprint, creating jobs, and playing an active role in South Africa’s economic recovery.
“I come from a disadvantaged background, and made a promise to myself that my children would never face the same struggles,” she says.
“That’s what fuels me every day.”
Her story is one of turning adversity into fuel. From growing up with financial hardship to winning an entrepreneurship award, Nomathemba Liyeza is rewriting the narrative for women, youth, and people with disabilities in South Africa’s male-dominated logistics industry.
Nomathemba encourages any entrepreneur, especially women, youth, or those living with disabilities, to go after their dreams, persevere and apply themselves.
“If I can do it, so can they.”
Sources: Supplied
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