How Capfin fuelled Eldridge’s journey from setback to success

When life presented unexpected turns for former bus driver Eldridge Botha, a Capfin loan became his ticket to a fresh start. Discover how this 53-year-old from Blue Downs shifted gears from passenger buses to launching a taxi side hustle with his wife. With determination and financial support, Eldridge is paving the way for his wife to take the wheel, reigniting their family's connection to the road and strengthening their financial future.

The story of Eldridge Botha, a 53-year-old former bus driver residing in the heart of Malibu Village in Blue Downs, Western Cape, embodies the spirit of resilience.  

Despite encountering delays in realising  his dreams and the ability to provide for his family, his determination, support from his loved ones, and a helping hand from Capfin empowered him to find a way to steer his life back on track with a side hustle.

For years, Eldridge took pride in his work as a bus driver for a local bus service. However, COVID-19 brought unexpected disruptions. He contracted the virus twice, with devastating health effects. "I ended up in hospital. The toll on my lungs was severe, leading to my employer medically boarding me for the past two years.”

Suddenly, the man who had always prided himself on his ability to provide for his family of five children found himself at home most of the time. His wife, who works in the taxi industry, became the primary breadwinner.

In December 2023, Eldridge’s 73-year-old mother referred him to Capfin. Despite being on disability leave, a factor that caused other lenders to turn him away, Capfin helped him accomplish his side hustle. "My payslip stipulates I'm on disability, but Capfin, unlike other providers, still helped me. That touched my heart," Eldridge shares. 

He adds that the loan application process at a local PEP store was incredibly easy. "The loan was approved within a couple of days." 

With his side hustle funding secured, Eldridge and his wife set their sights on purchasing and refurbishing a taxi. The couple is still working towards getting the taxi road-worthy, but Eldridge is enthusiastic. "We still have lots of work to do. We need the headlights. We need to sort out the engine, and then it must go for a roadworthy test, but we’ll get it on the road."

This project has given Eldridge a renewed sense of purpose. His wife's experience in the taxi industry provides valuable insight, and they plan to invest in established routes to generate income. For Eldridge, this is an opportunity to provide for his family. 

Eldridge's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, family support, and the right financial partnership. "This is more than just a side hustle loan story," Eldridge insists. "This is a story of renewed hope and second chances." Through his experience, Eldridge has become an advocate for Capfin, eager to share how the company's willingness to look beyond his disability status made all the difference in his life.

Whether you want to pursue a dream or build a better future for yourself and your family, Capfin is committed to empowering you with the financial support you need to emerge stronger. With loans of up to R50 000 and repayment terms of six, 12, or 24 months, our simple application process means you can get back on your feet quickly and easily. Apply online at www.capfin.co.za, via SMS to 33005, or by visiting any PEP or Ackermans store near you.

Make it happen, with a Capfin loan