By Segun Adeyanju
What started as a humble hustle selling sweets in primary school has transformed Nhlanhla Silinda’s life in ways he never imagined.
Today, the 33-year-old businessman from Pienaar, Mbombela, is a thriving entrepreneur who says it all began with toilets.
“I make over R60,000 a month from my mobile toilets. They changed my life,” Nhlanhla told Daily Sun. “While working as a construction supervisor, I noticed the high demand for portable toilets. That observation became my turning point.”
From that insight, Nhlanhla, also known as Mxola, ventured into the sanitation industry.
He now owns eight mobile flushing toilets and two VIP units that are regularly hired for events and functions.
But the toilet business was just the beginning.
Using profits from that venture, Nhlanhla expanded into the transport sector, investing over R6 million to acquire seven taxis, including five Toyota Quantums, one VW Crafter, and a Suzuki minibus. He didn’t stop there.
Today, his business portfolio includes a tavern he owns and another he rents out, a security company, and several water purification machines.
He is also in the process of acquiring a farm where he plans to rear cattle, goats, and sheep.
“I invest every cent I make into assets. I don’t mix business with pleasure,” he said.
His success isn’t just personal. In 2014, he registered an NPO called Siletha Ushintsho Community Organisation, which became fully operational in 2020.
The organisation provides free job placement services and, according to Nhlanhla, has helped over 2,000 people secure employment annually in sectors like mining and general labour.
Nhlanhla’s enterprises have created more than 100 jobs directly and indirectly. One of his workers, Donald Mamba, said, “He’s given us jobs to take care of our families. He’s a good man who truly enjoys helping others.”
Raised by a single mother who worked as a domestic worker, Nhlanhla’s story is one of determination and vision.
“Nothing is impossible until it’s done. I come from a very disadvantaged background, but I have always been passionate about business,” he said.
True to his giving nature, he also donates food parcels to needy families during Christmas and supports struggling members of his community.
From selling sweets in grade four to running a mini empire built on mobile toilets, Nhlanhla Silinda is proof that with vision, discipline, and the right opportunity, lives can be transformed — even through a toilet business.
