As we continue sharing the stories of the many talented freelancers on AfriBlocks, we sat down with Akudzwe Mhangami. Akudzwe has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Law degree from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, but she hasn’t stopped there. She is also an entrepreneur as a freelance photographer and a budding young leader. Her business has taught her the value of efficient product delivery and customer satisfaction, values one can see in her work as a freelancer on the platform. She is also passionate about women empowerment, children’s education and effective problem-solving in under-developed communities.
Akudzwe is, by nature, a very ambitious and curious person. Any opportunity to meet new people, learn new things and expand her skillset is something she has always welcomed with open arms. As a student, stepping into freelancing was both a good opportunity for her to acquire work experience well before completion of her degree and a good source of income to help her explore the things she was curious about.
Thus far, Akudzwe’s only challenge with freelancing has been the time difference between countries, a hurdle that can sometimes pose challenges with regards to efficient communication and project delivery. According to her, a key character trait to have as a freelancer is to be patient, because work is not always guaranteed. “I am a woman of faith, so my trust is in God. Also, when you do not have any clients, it gives you an opportunity to take a course online and develop your skillset or volunteer for some programs,” she says.
As a freelancer on AfriBlocks, Akudzwe has been able to secure clients for her photography business ranging from work as a virtual assistant for clients based in the United Kingdom and the United States to getting employed at a company for her services through her virtual assistance work experience. These opportunities have given her ample exposure prior to stepping into the working world.
She feels another huge benefit of working as a freelancer on the platform is that, if harnessed well, it can allow one to have financial freedom, selection of working hours and freedom from formal 9-5 employment. The opportunities are endless!
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