Mandisa Nyanisa, the Campus Sqeda Queen

At just 24, Mandisa Nyanisa is the ultimate multitasker—student by day, ice lolly queen by night! Hailing from the laid-back town of Richmond and now studying in Richards Bay at the University of Zululand, Mandisa is bringing serious hustle to campus. With a freezer full of iziqeda (those delicious, icy lollies everyone loves), she’s not just staying cool; she’s creating a whole business out of it!

So, how did Mandisa turn icy treats into cold, hard cash? It all started when she realized her student budget, with limited help from NSFAS, wasn’t going to cut it. Instead of stressing, she saw a golden opportunity—sell iziqeda to fellow students who need a refreshment break as much as she does! With a bit of creativity and the tiniest bit of freezer space, she launched her mini ice empire, which has since become a go-to for students needing a quick, affordable treat on a hot day.

Her motto? “Stop being comfortable with the bare minimum.” And Mandisa doesn’t just talk the talk; she’s out here living it. She’s all about reaching higher, dreaming bigger, and turning everyday ideas into something exciting. Her journey shows that sometimes the coolest ideas come from the simplest things, like an ice lolly on a warm day.

Beyond the lollies, Mandisa is inspiring her fellow students to think outside the box (or in this case, the freezer). Her story says, “Hey, you can hustle too!” She’s making her own money, managing her time like a pro, and keeping her independence. And she’s doing it all while pushing through her degree, proving you don’t have to choose between studying and making a living.

Mandisa’s journey from Richmond to Richards Bay is proof that, with a little drive and a freezer full of iziqeda, you can turn a simple idea into a chill success story. So, next time you see someone cooling off with one of her treats, remember—you could be next in line to create something amazing!

By Nozuko Ngcamu