It has been almost a year since the outbreak of Coronavirus, it has created havoc and destroyed livelihoods. More than 40 000 people have lost their lives in South Africa and close to 2 million worldwide.
However, the Beauty Hub Academy with offices in both Pretoria and Johannesburg continues to change lives for a number of young people by providing them with training in beauty therapy focussing on facials, body massage, makeup, nails and head dressing.
Former student at the academy, Reginald Sebesebe (28) of Mamelodi East, now owns the Attitude Head Dressing Salon. The salon employs a hair stylist and Sebesebe says this is what they can afford for now. 
"We hope to employ more people in the near future, to assist in alleviating poverty and unemployment".
A view shared by another graduate from the same college, Immaculate Matselela (36) from Mamelodi East.
Matselela said, "Even though we are currently struggling a bit due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are grateful to the academy for the support even post graduations. I wish they can continue to assist and skill others to do better in their future endeavours''.
Hub Manager Lulu Mphela indicated that their students are expected to do in-service training before they can graduate. "They frequently get to provide services for older persons to have work experience. We also provide containers which are placed on busy intersections in different locations which are run by them (students) that are an innovation which we hope to expand soon as part of the exit-plan".
Mphela added that, "As an academy, we are thankful to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for the support and funding over the years. If it was not for the department and other funders, we wouldn't be able to change lives for the better".
She said their courses are accredited by Seda (Small Enterprise Development Agency), Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).