ENTREPRENEUR Feature
s e t a r b e l e Hansa C us
Ambitio r u e n e r p e r t En Rena Mkhize opened Gent’s Tavern in 1986 when she was just 26 years old. What started with three cases of beer quickly becomes a legitimate business. She currently runs her Jeppestown tavern with the help of five employees. Hansa has recognised Rena’s achievements by sponsoring a TV advert for Gent’s Bar. She tell us about the success of her business and her ambitions.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you started your business… When I was working as a switchboard operator, I was on leave one time and decided to sell food and beer. I started with three cases of beer and the business grew very fast, to the extent that I decided to quit my job and focus on my business.
Are you in business accidentally or is this what you always wanted to do? It was my dream to be a businesswoman. But I had to get a job where I could earn a few Rands before I started working for myself.
How did you identify the opportunity to open a restaurant? I looked at the needs of people where I’m staying and beer was most in demand.
Rena Mkhize, owner of
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Gent’s Tavern and Han
