N2 Kota Seller Noma Nqanqalaza’ Turns Side Hustle Into E-Commerce Success Story
- Noma Dimpho Nqanqalaza from Libode in the Eastern Cape started selling kotas on the side of the N2 highway while studying at Walter Sisulu University
- Growing up as one of ten children in a rural village, Noma began styling hair in primary school to help her family survive after losing her father
- Kasi Economy shared her story online, showing how Noma went from a roadside stall to owning multiple businesses and two cars
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Source: UGC
A 23-year-old education student from a small Eastern Cape village has quietly built a business empire that is now turning heads across South Africa.
Noma Dimpho Nqanqalaza, known online as Noma ZDS Nqanqalaza, grew up in the rural village of Ngavungavu in Libode. She was the ninth of ten children raised by an unemployed mother, with a sister working as a domestic helper to keep the family afloat. After losing her father at a young age, Noma did not wait to be helped. By the time she was in sixth grade, she was already styling hair for money.
When she enrolled at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, the financial pressure did not ease up. To cover tuition and support her household, she set up a roadside food stall along the busy N2 highway, selling traditional kotas to passing motorists and commuters. Photos and videos of her hustle spread across social media, and she quickly became a symbol of quiet determination.
From roadside to running a multi-business brand
Rather than stay in one lane, Noma used the momentum from her food stall to build something bigger. She converted the kota stand into a dedicated container eatery, launched ZDS Hair Salon, and began selling sneakers and iPhones through retail. Most recently, she added an online perfume shop to her growing list of ventures.
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The results have been tangible. By 2024, she had purchased her first car. In 2025, she upgraded to a brand-new vehicle, a two-year jump that captured the imagination of thousands when Kasi Economy shared her before-and-after story on X on 9 August 2026.
The post drew widespread praise from South Africans who saw in her story a blueprint for youth entrepreneurship in rural communities.
Mzansi celebrates Noma's journey
Social media users rallied behind Noma in the comments section on the X page:
@Sipho18223711 wrote:
"Noma, you are our inspiration, girl, to many."
@NomondeSigoxo said:
"Congratulations, keep going Noma."
@TebzaMorembola8 added:
"Well done, Noma. Keep it up and God bless you more 👊❤️"
@tdmahloko shared:
"Well done, Noma. Keep shining 👌🙌"
@MalapaneSolomo1 simply said:
"Bravo 👏"
See the full X post below:
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Source: Briefly News
