GLOBAL STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS 2009 KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Meet South African Champion and global finalist: OBEDIANT TSHABALALA from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Was it your first time going overseas?

Yes it was my first time.

What was the scariest story you were told before your departure?

Nothing scary, only some discouragements about getting a VISA within a space of 4 days.

What are you loving about the USA?

I am meeting very inspiring people that are concerned about the growth of young entrepreneurs. I am having strange food, but it’s surprisingly nice. The places that I am visiting are just nice, and the life style seems to be calm. There are also beautiful buildings and different types of cars. I also loved their airports, there are immense and well structured, for efficient and effective services.

What are you missing the most about South Africa?

I miss the people of South Africa. We are unique and it’s strange that I don’t even hear a single Xhosa or Zulu word the entire day. I miss my people. I also miss my business; I feel that my customers might not be happy especially now that I am unreachable.

What’s a must-have travel item?

You need to have a warm jacket, you need to have some US dollars, and definitely your passport and ID. You also must have a relative or someone that will stay with you.

What is your advice for other Villagers who are about to go on holiday overseas?

For any long journey, there are 3 things that determine the success: time, health and money. If you have health and money, it can happen that you can make time, and if you have good heath and time, you can find money, but if you lack good heath, reschedule and first work on your heath.