“If you change one person in a community you can change the entire community by just giving them something to become self-sustainable.”
So said Sister Tessia August, who has turned this philosophy into action, using three decades of nursing experience to build her Strand-based Oasis Training Centre and train other women to become entrepreneurs themselves. This work has earned her two major recognitions.
The 54-year-old placed seventh as a finalist for the Women of Stature Award in Education and Training and won the GoGetters Excellence Award for Entrepreneurship and Economic Power.
“One is always working when a new project materialises, so one never has a chance even just to celebrate oneself,” she declared. “This was supposed to be the year for celebrating myself but, of course, somebody must always remind me.”
August’s journey began more than 30 years ago when she trained at the Western Cape College of Nursing, graduating in 1994. She specialised in spinal and brain injuries for 10 years before working at a maximum-security prison for three years.
DIVERSE EXPERIENCE
“That was a tough journey. I decided I’m going to have to leave, otherwise I’ll become a prisoner to that system,” August said.
After stints at Mediclinic Vergelegen and Netcare Kuils River as night matron, she transitioned into training care workers at Masincedane Community Service in Strand. “I wanted to be a teacher and I wanted to be a nurse, so now I’m both.”
Working in areas like Lwandle, where she managed the training, August saw an opportunity. She approached her husband, Leslie, about starting a business. “Well, he did far more than respond; he left his job. Because I’d supported his dreams, he decided it was my turn; he supported me in running the business.”
They started Oasis from their garage in 2013. It has since expanded to nine franchises and 19 premises. It employs its graduates, ensuring jobs for trained students.
DREAMING BIG IS KEY
“One can train people, but if they don’t find employment self-sustainability will remain a hollow concept,” August said,
She emphasised women’s economic independence throughout this growth. “I always believe women should earn their own money. They must be able to operate without a man because anything can happen to one’s partner.”
August has helped several former Oasis graduates build businesses, offering free guidance. She also believes charity begins at home, bringing her daughter into the business so she can learn the ropes first-hand.
She urged Helderberg women to acquire skills and scale-up their dreams. “Dream bigger and you are halfway there!”
August recently opened a beauty school and salon, and looks forward to further growth in her entrepreneurial endeavours.
