What do vending machines, fake R100 notes, government contracts, panic attacks, and a butcher shop with no Chisanyama have in common? They all feature in the unforgettable, painfully honest, and deeply inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Dr. Roche Mamabolo, the guest on this week’s episode of Fail Forward Friday, hosted by Malesela Molepo. From his first taste of black excellence at a prestigious boarding school, to selling cold drinks from vending machines in Joburg, to watching a dream butchery spoil under load-shedding and bad timing, Roche walks us through failure after failure with humility, humour, and raw insight. But this isn’t just a highlight reel of what went wrong. It’s a story of choosing purpose over panic, discovering the limits of passion, and learning (the hard way) why big clients with big cheques can lead to even bigger collapse. From being charmed by a CTM franchise to being crushed by late government payments, Roche holds nothing back. He shares how losing everything, including employees, laptops, and dignity, led him to a deeper understanding of business, self-worth, and why small clients are the true foundation, not just stepping stones. If you’re an entrepreneur wondering whether to quit, pivot, or persevere, this episode is for you. This isn’t a masterclass. It’s a real class. With stories that will make you laugh, wince, nod in knowing pain, and, most importantly, feel seen. 👀 Watch it if: You’ve ever had to let go of a dream you weren’t built for. You’re questioning if all the hustle is worth it. You need to remember that failing isn’t the opposite of success, it’s the furnace that forges it. 📺 Watch now, and rediscover why falling down is sometimes the best way to rise with purpose.