October 2018 Issue no. 7
www.startupafrica.co.za
startupAFRICA The Creative Issue
THE POWER OF FAMILY BUSINESS
LELE CHIKOWI
CREATIVES TO WATCH OUT FOR
Editor's Note
I grew up in a home that was deeply passionate about art. I vaguely remember drawing an image on my bedroom wall and only after completion, remembering that I will most likely get into trouble for doing so. My mom, who studied Visual Display Artistry and was excited about anything art-like, would later see the drawing on the wall. The first thing she said was that she believes I would make a great artist, before she began to lecture me about ruining the walls of the house. I loved how her first instinct was to see potential in my capability as a creative, before she thought about the pristine nature of the walls. For a very long time, I worried that from a creative point of view, I had nothing to bring to the table, my drawings were pretty good, however, they weren’t moving and my speaking capabilities often got praise but I wouldn’t go as far as saying that speaking was my ultimate talent above all talents. I believe I tapped into my potential in the most unexpected fashion. Somewhere between writing letters to friends in school and writing English essays for a few friends in grade 11, that's when I realised that writing was what I had to bring to the family’s creative table.
When the team and I decided that we’re dedicating the October issue to creatives, I couldn’t wait to write my editor’s note because one of the things I pride myself in is that I come from a family of unapologetic creates. My late grandfather was an artist, and made a living out of paintings and fine art. What has kept my passion for art alive was the beauty of being surrounded by creative extraordinaires. My sister has made a career out of her talent in speaking and my brother is a graphic designer by profession, who celebrated a great 2018 when his artwork was displayed at the LA Film Festival this year.
And as I reflect upon all of my experiences, the ones that are catalysts to who I have become today – I would like to commend every brave soul that chose to make a living of being a creative in a society that deems art to be unintelligent and poor career choice. While the world is using artificial intelligence to replace the bulk of the jobs that are seen to be superiorly above the work of creatives, I am quite confident that no robot can deliver the kind of work a true artist can. And while I digress, I would like to remind every woman to make an appointment to go for a breast examination. Happy reading!
Baradi Moletsane
LELE CHIKOWI
The Queen of Accessories
Sphelele (fondly known as Lele), named her accessory brand – NtoZinhle, which easily translates to beautiful things in IsiZulu, a name in honour of her late beloved friend. After being diagnosed with a debilitating blood clot in her brain seven years ago, Lele was put on a disability grant, which she declined.
BY BARADI MOLETSANE From selling accessories in the boot of her car to managing a sort-after business that is thriving as a national brand, Sphelele Chikowi, is without a doubt the kind of trailblazer young African entrepreneurs can learn so much from. Inspired by beautifully hand assembled African bead-work and accessories, she supplies clients from her store in Orlando West, via post mail and her famed pop up tours throughout South Africa.
"The decisions you make now are lifelong decisions." Through unwavering support from friends and family, as well as her strong-rooted faith, she managed to achieve a clean bill of health, regaining her speech and mobility. Thereafter, a new journey unfolded – and Lele boldly tells her story…
We’re happy to hear that you have recovered, it couldn’t have been an easy journey. What happened thereafter? I took a chance in business and established a hair salon in Chiawelo. After two years, I entered the world of photography and it was at this point where a more organic entrepreneurial journey began. After receiving numerous compliments on my accessory choices at shoots, that’s when I saw an opportunity for traditional tribal accessories. I started from the boot of my car, then moved to trading from a stall at the popular LoCrate Market in Soweto, saving enough capital to build my first store called The Fashion Mkhukhu (shack) at home in Phiri Street, Orlando West, not far from the famous Vilikazi Street. A year later, NtoZinhle Accessories was born and we have since evolved from providing accessories to introducing Basetsana, which is our women clothing brand under the NtoZinhle brand. Three words that best describe you? Dreamer, happy, positive Please share with us one of your childhood memories that you can never forget. Well it’s a sad one, when I was 10 years old, my grandma sent me to buy a few groceries and on my way back, I got involved in a minor accident, I was hit by a car. The driver took me home and gave my grandma money for me to go to a clinic. The next day, I got up early so I could go to the clinic and it turned out that my grandma’s money was stolen, and she accused me of stealing it. She gave me a good hiding, which was so painful because I had just been in an accident the day before. What’s the one thing that makes your blood boil? Theft. I hate dishonesty, and even my beaders know that I hate it when they buy raw material from unregistered suppliers. Theft is a spirit and if they use stolen raw material, they are bringing the same spirits to my business.
What is this chapter in your life called? “I was never ready.” Well, when I started my business from my two-roomed shack, I didn’t think in five years I would have built a proper brick house and mortar shop. And two years later, I bought my mother a house and converted our family house into a workshop. What is your advice to the 13 year old version of you about her professional future? You will not be a teenager forever. The decisions you make now are lifelong decisions. Believe in your decisions, stay true to your vision and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. When I was 14, I got into trouble at school because I refused to learn how to compile a CV, I truly believed I was not born to look for a job. And even till this day, I do not have a CV. I have never been employed.
SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR, MAHLOGONOLO MASEBE
Dear Summer
By Koketso Seloane
Tell us a bit about your background. I'm originally from Pretoria, Garankuwa from a family of five. I studied Bcomm Accounting - somehow I never thought being an author would be part of my life's story. What inspired you to write this book? I was inspired to write to the days I hoped for which I refer to as the days of my summer, days that looked nothing like my present. So I decided to write a letter to Summer, which ended up in a book called, "Dear Summer". Why write a book, when almost everything is going digital? For some weird reason I feel like the over digitising of everything we do, will, somehow, create a hunge for the tangible. Our human nature craves to feel and touch and not just to see. I made sure to cater for that time even before it comes. However, I have made provision to publish online - a process I have delayed purposefully.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
How do you strike a balance between work and writing?
Writers are always focused on writing "a good read". The best advice I was ever given by another author while I was still writing was that I should never over-think and over-edit my work. Writing became easier after that.
You don't. There is no balance. It involves losing out on sleep and fixing yourself a cup of coffee at awkward times of the early mornings or late night just to ensure that you get the job done.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? "It's not going to look and feel like anything you are picturing it to be. Just keep on writing, everything will turn out better than you think." What’s the best way to market your books? Word of mouth and social media.
What’s the title of your life right now? "Doing it." How can people get your book? They can order online and it will get delivered to them. The links are on my social media pages: Facebook: Mahlogonolo MB Twitter: @MahlogonoloMB Instagram: @MahlogonoloMB
Gift Mabuza PRODUCER AT HEART
By Baradi Moletsane
When startupAFRICA’s Editor – in – Chief, Baradi
Tell us about what makes you a creative…
asked Music Producer and Businessman – Gift
I am Thobani Gift Mabuza, affectionately known
Mabuza, what his gift to society in line with his
as GIFTSA. Also, a dedicated Music Producer
professional - he confidently responded:
and DJ from Tembisa. However, the goal is to get my music to reach all corners of South
“I have a policy of sourcing 80% of my services
Africa. To complement my DJing career, I also
and products from local businesses. From my
run a sound engineering business – a one that
sound technicians, graphic designers, Publicists
allows people to hire sounds systems for
as well as other service providers. Everything is
various events.
handled by people who are from Tembisa (a
Your favourite quote?
place that I call home) and surrounding areas. I
“There is no traffic on the extra mile”
am a big supporter and believer of the potential
What is your definition of an entrepreneur?
of a township economy, hence I am constantly
An entrepreneur is someone who leverages off
looking for new people to grow with.”
of any good opportunity that they come across, as well as what they have in order to provide a
In a quick catch up session, Gift takes us
service or a product.
through how he has used the art of talent,
Three words that best describe you?
passion and drive to inspire change in South
Ground-breaking, resilient, and exciting.
Africa’s youth.
Would you consider yourself to be a creative? Of course. Being a creative is all I know how to be. Being a creative is all about merging your experiences and crafting something new from that. Part of the reason why I do what I do is because of those random bursts of creativity that catch me off guard on some idle weekdays in the AMs. The ideas that later get turned into results. Who is your role model in your profession? Black Coffee. He has really been a pioneer for how far a South African DJ and producer can take their craft. He’s also a reminder as to why being a creative is so precious. What’s the one unpleasant thing that you have experienced in this career that you want to share with people? The lack of organisation at the grassroots level of the music space was problematic for me. DJ time slots not adhered to and production teams not keeping to their end of the bargain meant that it is hard for an up-andcoming DJ to build a professional brand. What’s the one thing that makes your blood boil? Being undermined and disrespected. Anything you want to add? I cannot stress enough the importance of hard work in this industry. It might not seem like it but there is always someone watching. Even when you feel ignored, there is someone watching. Give them a show. Produce quality in your music and keep your attitude in check. You don’t only owe it to your audience but to yourself as well.
Tiang Moabelo, founder of LoadALot By Koketso Seloane The evolution of LoadALot is one that demands attention and celebration. What started off as a service specifically tailored to cater to the needs of University students, as it pertains to moving residences and storage, blossomed into a thriving business reaching heights such as Office Removals and Mining Logistics. LoadALot is currently recognised in the Western Cape and Gauteng Provinces, it prides itself in being able to provide quality service that will ensure that household goods and merchandise are moved safely. LoadALot’s pursuit in attending to the needs of South Africans, has led to the development of the premium package, launching end of October 2018. This is a fast and convenient service that will handle all the activities involved when moving. For example, LoadALot will ensure that all the activities involved with moving (such as packing, unpacking, crating, cleaning and storing of client’s goods) are done in an exceptional manner. Basically, you get to move from A to B without breaking a sweat. It’s no secret that their dedicated and experienced professionals will always provide you with tailor-made logistic solutions, customised to your particular needs. They are most certainly disrupting the moving space.
Khwela App: Sorting out the taxi industy By Jabulile Zwane
We sat with Skhona Khumalo from the Khwela App team, to tell us about their ground-breaking innovation. Why did you pursue this particular business? Innovation, the belief that love and intelligence will create solutions everywhere. Tell us about the challenges you have faced. Convincing people that digital commuting is possible. We built a prototype and displayed our assertions at which point people understood. What has been your biggest achievement so far? Approaching one thousand commuters in just under 10 weeks! Khwela is Moving Ubuntu. What are your future plans? Connecting commuters all over #Africa as their modes of travel are very similar. Allowing and enabling efficient trade and removing barriers to trade for the unbankable. Please download the Khwela App Website: www.khwela.live Facebook: khwelamobileapp Twitter: Â Khwela_App Instagram: Khwela_App
Jody Hendricks
Living the dream By Baradi Moletsane
Award winning Journalist, Sports Commentator and Media Mogul in the making – Jody Hendricks is living a dream that started at age 14. When he heard Mark Gilman on radio, he fell in love with the idea of making a career out of being on air and decided to peruse the dream head on. “I knew I’d be on radio one day — I just didn’t know how,” says Jody. startupAFRICA managed to pin the RSG Presenter down to talk about where it all began and his future plan for the JustJody brand. Take us through your career… I’m an award winning Journalist currently working as a freelancer for RSG Radio, the national Afrikaans radio station which falls under the umbrella of SABC. I am a sports presenter, commentator and talk show producer. I also do work as a TV analyst and freelance writer. These are just some of the jobs that keep me busy on a daily basis. But my latest venture is website publisher of justjody.co.za that I’m most excited about.
Tell us about the JustJody brand? The justjody brand started with a cap range in 2016, we produce a rage of 20 caps each quarter. The idea behind this number is to keep it exclusive and limited so that if you have a justjody or JH cap, you will be one of very few people to own one. With my media background, I've always wanted to start a website. The idea was born in 2006 when my previous boss told me “Online is the way to go.” While traditional media like Newspapers, Magazines, TV and Radio are still relevant, they are struggling to stay competitive in a digital age. In May 2017 Justjody.co.za was born, I wanted to create an online platform that focuses on giving visitors a unique multimedia experience regarding news, lifestyle and sport stories. It also gives brands a platform to showcase their products. Our audience enjoys the mix of business, tech, entertainment, politics and hot viral content.
I recently also ventured into to craft beer market with the Justjody brew, this is in the starting phase though, but watch the space. Your favourite quote? “Be the change you want to see in the World” Ghandi. What is your definition of an entrepreneur? An entrepreneur is someone who sees opportunity amid challenges, who is not afraid to try things, fail and then try again and again. It’s also someone who likes to take risks and can adapt to change very well. Would you consider yourself to be a creative? Yes, I always think of creative and untested ways to change things in my life, the world and also of creative ways to make an impact in society. Who is your role model in your profession? There are a few but Given Mkhari is doing some amazing things at the moment. What’s the one thing that makes your blood boil? Fake People, the kind who are only around in good times and when they can benefit from you. What’s the one unpleasant thing that you have experienced in this career that you want to share with people? In 2008 while working as a magazine writer, the global financial crash came and I was retrenched from my job. Just like that, my job became redundant. I had difficulty dealing with that, but it taught me never to put other people in charge of my life again. That was also when I started thinking out the box of creative ways to make money. 3 words that best describe you? Focused, driven, and optimistic What is this chapter in your life called? Making an impact…
What is your definition of art? Art is anything you want it to be, a book, a waterfall, a radio show and even a plain rock on the side of the road. We should not limit art or put it in a box, art means different things for different people. Tell us something interesting about you that people don’t know… At school I had a learning disability, I was told I’m dumb because I’m not achieving what my classmates were achieving. Once the problem was identified I worked out my own formula to learn and study, I used it all the way to university. Anything you want to add? You should have a strong and dedicated support base, but keep it small, go for quality over quantity. I have three people that I go to if I need anything. If they help or can’t help, I will take it from there.
"An Entrepreneur is someone who likes to take risks and can adapt to change very well."
A CONVERSATION WITH AUTHOR
THOBANI NDLOVU By Cue Sibiya
Thobani Ndlovu is a young man who grew up in a small township called eNhlalakahle in Greytown, KwaZulu Natal. He spent his primary school life attending Greytown Junior before moving to Pietermaritzburg where he then became a proud Carterian at Carter High School. In all of this, Thobani had a fairly typical African child story, with his parents going through a divorce as he entered primary school. It was this very occurrence that shifted his outlook on leadership. He also has always been a writer, and started working for the Soccer Laduma while he was studying architecture. This continued for three years until he realised that this was not the type of writing he wanted to pursue. As much he is a major sports fanatic, he is in his prime when he is writing to spark self-development conversations, that's why he decided to take on the journey of writing more about the leadership topic.
Chief, why write a book? I have the privilege of being part of a great founding team in an organisation known as Legacy Creators. The organisation works a lot with the youth and homeless people, and it was through all of the interactive experiences there that I was inspired to write a book as I realised that many people lack guidance.
Did you self-publish? If so, what is the most difficult part about self-publishing? Yes I did self publish, and without a doubt the most difficult part about self-publishing is distribution. It’s been a very exciting journey, though. You get to learn how to work around certain challenges in order to provide a quality service for the customers that want your product.
My concept of leadership is that everyone is a leader in their own right, however the battle with oneself is the most difficult of all. This is why most of us end up not realising our leadership potential, because firstly, we have boxed leadership and defined it by other people, but if you think about it, we are constantly leading ourselves every day of our lives.
Does your family support your career as a writer? I have a very strong supportive structure, not only from my family, but from friends and church mates as well. I don’t think I’d still be sane if I didn’t have the type of support that I do have, because this startup journey is a real roller coaster and one needs all the support they can get in order to stay sane.
There is however a growing number of youth being led by social media pressures, peer and societal pressures, and all we want to do is fit in, but we don’t realise that we are being led to become people we are not.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? With Leading Through The Mirror, I spent close to a year doing research, and I am currently in research phase for my second book and I’ll do so for a similar time period it seems. So I guess I can say research for me takes just about a year, but I think now what’s even better is that we have a solid research team that’s working together to ensure the content is second to none, whereas with my first offering I was doing research by myself.
This was one of the core reasons for writing the book, to inspire people to become comfortable in their own individual leadership capacity and grow to become better leaders to themselves first before they are even considered leaders to other people. What are common traps for aspiring writers? Not believing in your craft and not putting out the content. I think those are the main traps. I have seen many good writers not writing, and there’s no greater tragedy. Imagine if Shonda Rhimes didn’t embark on her journey of writing, or if Ma Esther Mahlangu didn’t pursue her talent of artistry. We all have gifts for a reason, and it’s unfortunate that at the beginning you have to cheer-lead for your own self in order to keep going, but that should never stop you from operating in your area of gifting. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Put in the work. I have never really been an avid reader, in fact I used to think people that read those thick Harry Potter books didn’t have lives, which is why my book is not too long. However, if I were to be given the opportunity to go back in time, I’d definitely read more and write more.
How can people get your book? My book is available at Bookworld (Cascades Lifestyles Centre) in Pietermaritzburg, Adams Bookstore on West Street in Durban, and www.myafricanbuy.com for anyone based anywhere else around the country. I’m also available to make deliveries or send copies to addresses all over the country if you contact me on social media. Facebook: Thobani Ndlovu Twitter: @ThobaniNdlovu_ Instagram: @ThobaniNdlovu_ LinkedIn: @ThobaniNdlovu_
THE POWER OF FAMILY BUSINESS By Baradi Moletsane
Stephen King once said, “talent is a wonderful thing but it won’t carry a quitter”. And I find that the most talented people I know often lack one thing – relentlessness, however, the Zulus are fortunate to possess both. A couple of years ago, I met Secunda-born and bred siblings; Nomathemba Shirley Zulu, Mdumiseni Samuel Zulu, Londiwe Portia Zulu and Phumzile Surprise Zulu (a pool of talent really) who established a family holdings company. The company has a variety services in which they specialise in, ranging from Catering, Business Administration, Photography and Events Co-ordination to name a few. Emanating from humble beginnings, these groundbreakers have managed to grow the business tremendously, creating a good name for themselves, not only in their hometown but in and around Gauteng. Nomathemba, who is the company’s brainchild – takes us through everything we need to know about her and her talented siblings…
Tell us about who you are and what you do for a living...
Please share with us one of your childhood memories that you can never forget.
This is such an interesting question. The establishment of our company is based on our skills as siblings. We decided to package the things we’ve loved to do for ourselves.
Our family is extremely loving and we are blessed to share memories with family. A memory that we can all really appreciate is when we all went to see the Lion King theatre production at Monte Casino. We are from a humble background but we learned to appreciate things from a young age.
- Heavens Korture – Fashion House - Heavens Culture – Catering - Heavens Glam – Makeup, Beauty and Lifestyle - Heavens Business Administration – Business Consultation - Heavens Occasions – Corporate Events Co-ordination - Heavens Aperture – Photography - Heavens Branding – Small Scale and Large Scale Branding Your favourite quote? “If You Want To Go Fast, Go Alone, if You want to Go Far, Go Together”
Who is your role model in your profession? Our Mother. She is a serial entrepreneur. So we really are emulating a charamcteristic of hers. What’s the one thing that makes your blood boil? Seeing entrepreneurs who have made it not helping others or sharing trade secrets. Mentorship is really one of the reasons we very seldom make it out of the “SMME” dimension as black entities. Tell us about your fears?
What is your definition of an entrepreneur? I believe an entrepreneur is an individual who cultivates a market, an innovator, a problem solver and a person who wants to stare death in the face. Entrepreneurs epitomise bravery.
Hmmm, our fear is complacency. We are not doing this for ourselves, but for the future.
AMA.ZING Diaspora brings millions of individuals excluded from the formal economy one step closer to financial inclusion By Mbali Sibiya
Millions of disenfranchised Zimbabweans living in South Africa, both banked and unbanked, can now access free mobile transacting and basic insurance services through the launch of the AMA.ZING Diaspora solution in South Africa. The solution, developed by the Zing Group, enables people living in South Africa to buy products and pay bills in Zimbabwe using AMA.ZING digital coins paid for in South African Rands. “We view this product as a game-changer that will not only help realise financial inclusion for emerging markets, but also disrupt the current status quo in the financial services and money remittance sector,” says Hebert Banhire, AMA.ZING Head of Zimbabwean Diaspora South Africa.
This solution comes in the form of the AMA.ZING mobile app, which users can download for free. They then purchase US$linked AMA.ZING Coins, either by cash or by bank account, and redeem these coins against purchases or bills which need to be paid in Zimbabwe. All users qualify to receive free life cover rewards as well as CashBack rewards. This is the first time that people living in South Africa can buy insurance in Zimbabwe from across the border. Zing Coins can be purchased in app using a bank card, Snapscan app or Zapper app, or in cash from one of more than 100,000 till points around South Africa, found across a wide range of stores, with PEP and Pick n’ Pay already available. More stores will be available soon.
BRITAIN RENECKE INCORPORATED By Koketso Seloane 1. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF AN ENTREPRENEUR? My definition of an entrepreneur is someone who not only dreams about working for him or herself and creating employment and other empowering opportunities for others; but it is someone who feels the need to do so deep in their spirit, dreams about it, sets the goals, empowers him or herself to acquire the necessary business acumen and other skills that will enhance his or her existing entrepreneurial spirit. 2. WHAT SOLUTION ARE YOU BRINGING TO THE MARKET? Britain Renecke Incorporated is a boutique corporate and commercial law firm. We are 100% black woman owned. We bring expert commercial legal advice to a wide range of clients in a personable and affordable manner, without compromising quality. One of our unique selling points is that I, as CEO, have almost a decade’s worth of experience in the corporate commercial department at one of the biggest law firms in South Africa. 3. THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOU? Fearless, Vulnerable, Resilient. 4. PLEASE SHARE WITH US ONE OF YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES THAT YOU CAN NEVER FORGET. I am fortunate to have many unforgettable good memories. One memory that comes to mind is initiating a little business at the age of 14 years, whereby during June holidays, I asked my Dad to make copies of ninja turtles coloring pages and my brothers and I sold the colouring pages to friends and children in the neighborhood. We even had a door to door delivery service. It was a good way to ensure that we raised some pocket money for ourselves.
5. WHAT DOES HERITAGE MEAN TO YOU? Heritage to me means family, our own family traditions and values, first and foremost. Not only the serious stuff but the little things that make us our own tribe. It also means being South African and celebrating my own culture within a broader diverse society. It is my past, my present and my future. 6. WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE SOUTH AFRICAN The richness in our diversity. It makes me so proud to be part of a country with so many different cultures – constantly learning – constantly emerging out of pain. The power and survival instincts that our ancestors had, that we can feel deeply within. Our spirit to overcome adversity and to thrive. 7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE? “… dance like nobody’s watching, love like you’ll never get hurt, sing like nobody’s listening and live like its heaven on earth.” - William W. Purkey
A chat with Chris Molele from Moseth Capital
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L I F E S T Y L E
By Ndileka Swalamisa The company trades in just a handful of products which are their core focus on market opportunity through a unique approach to trading the markets for high lucrative returns with minimum capital exposure, as well as a uniquely tailored risk portfolio to help manage market volatility. Please tell us a bit about your team. Along the way while going to my 3rd year of studying a Bcom in Economics, I dropped out because I felt it was a waste of time since I was leaning faster by myself. I started to understand advanced economic theories, financial behavior, statistics and multiple coding languages by myself, and those things were not part of my degree. That's why I took the bold step of dropping out, in which I got full support from my family and friends. I told my best friend, and currently co-founder, Raymond Setlhakgoe, that I wanted to start Moseth Capital. He knew nothing about investing let alone trading, and the following day he quit his job as a graphics designer and said, "I will follow you because I know if there's anyone who can figure this out, it's you". I later recruited my other co-founder, Hector Thulare, as he was particularly very passionate and good in the tech and development space. I then recruited a civil engineer, Surprise Seanego, to join and to help me develop our financial models. He also quit his job to join the company. Later in 2017, we had Bokang Phago join the team as well. What has been your biggest achievement so far? By far my biggest achievement has been the launch of our company's trading algorithm which is able to predict daily, weekly and monthly, all the economic trends that give us an unprecedented advantage.
 What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur? For it's different. It has to be the people I meet that feel inspired by seeing someone with my background doing something like this, and at a young age. It gives me joy to even see older people feel empowered and inspired by my passion and drive. Any advice for young entrepreneurs? When Nelson Mandela said, "The key to success is through education", I think he didn't mean that you should be bounded by the shackles of the classroom walls. We live in a digital era where information is accessible to anyone. You can literally research what a Bcom in Finance or Bsc Information Technology degree programme consists of, then self educate which is why I believe that a Degree is just a piece of paper that you, the individual, give value to and not the other way around. After all, why is it that you can have five people who studied the same thing but cannot comprehend it the same way...? Contact Moseth Capital here: Website: www.mosethcapital.com Instagram: mosethcapital Twitter: @mosethcapital Facebook: Moseth Capital
UMUZI BY JABULILE ZWANE
Umuzi supports talented young people to develop the skills to access high-value careers. We spoke to Gilbert Pooley, Managing Director. Why did you establish Umuzi? There are so many talented young people in South Africa not reaching their full potential. Our failing education systems prevents them from getting access to the skills and opportunities they deserve to access highvalue careers, and more fulfilling lives.
What sort of challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? We’re a demand-driven organisation. Each young person on our programme is paid by an employer partner. We receive thousands of applications from talented young South Africans. One of our biggest challenges is bringing on more employer partners to create opportunities for these young people to be trained and access high-value careers. We’re growing, but with such great need, and wasted talent, we feel the pressure to grow quickly.
What are your future plans and aspirations for Umuzi? We’re very excited about the opportunities in tech, especially data science and data engineering. Umuzi already trains young people for these highvalue careers, and the next step is for us to offer employer partners and new clients data-related services like setting up data warehouses, and business intelligence. We are integrating these services into our training to offer more real work experience to the young people on our programme, to best prepare them for this fast developing field. What has been your biggest achievement so far? We’re immensely proud of our over 300 alumni who have gotten high-value jobs at top employers. They are the real trailblazers transforming the tech and creative industries. What gives you the most satisfaction doing this work?
I love learning. Umuzi is a learning community, always striving to better understand our community’s needs, and add more value through innovative, human-centred design. I love the constant challenge and reward of incrementally improving and growing through prototyping and testing collaboratively with our recruits and employer partners. What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other people looking to start a gamechanging solution like Umuzi? Just start. And keep learning. Don’t be precious and try to get it right from the beginning. Umuzi started as a Photography Club. Today we’re transforming the creative and tech sectors, and helping talented young people and leading organisations to learn, through our unique, highvalue, human-centred solutions. Like the young people on our programme, we’ve come a long way from our first photography workshops in Diepsloot. The most important thing is to start and to keep learning.
Q&A with Thobile Madikizela
Port Shepstone born and bred Thobile Madikizela, who founded DigitalEye – a digital marketing agency, shares with startupAFRICA how making one of the toughest decisions: leaving the corporate 9 to 5 to start her own business has turned her from being a dreamer to a doer. By Baradi Moletsane Tell us about who you are and what you do for a living… I am a 29 year old lady born and raised in a small town called Port Shepstone (Gamalakhe township) in KZN. After completing my Matric in 2006 I furthered my studies at the IMM Graduate School of Marketing where I obtained my Diploma in Marketing Management. Other qualifications that I have obtained are: Digital Marketing Certificate (Stellenbosch
University) and Enterpreneurship Course (Yali leadership Centre. I have four years’ experience in the corporate world (sales, recruitment and marketing). In 2016, I left to kick-start my very own business. I am the Founder of DigitalEye, a digital marketing company that assists businesses in branding themselves well online through the use of social media as a marketing tool.
In March this year, I started a business initiative called: The Coast Market, a Market that allows local businesses the opportunity to build and grow their brands through selling products/services at pop up stalls in Margate. Your favourite quote? “When you pray for rain, you have to deal with the mud too.” Daniel Washington
What’s the one thing that makes your blood boil? I can’t stand laziness. Nothing gets under my skin like people who make excuses as to why their failing to grow. What is this chapter in your life called? Rebuilding myself…
What is your definition of an entrepreneur?
Tell us about your fears?
An Entrepreneur in my opinion, is an innovator, risk taker and is not afraid of failure. It's someone with authentic leadership skills - who's willing to learn every day. Entrepreneurs contribute positively towards the economy and create jobs.
Being part of a generation that does not want to make sacrifices for a better future.
3 words that best describe you?
Be yourself, love yourself and pursue only what sets your heart on fire. Also, you're allowed to be an employee and you have the capability to become an employer.
Resilient, passionate, and strong. Who is your role model in your profession? It can only be the lovely lady Nunu Ntshingila (Head of Facebook Africa)
What is your advice to the 13 year old version of you about her professional future?
YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR FOOD ITEMS
BY MBALI SIBIYA
Foodlocker is an e-Commerce company founded by ex-Amazon and ex-Bunnings Warehouse millennials with over 10 years of experience in Operations Management, Finance, Marketing, Sales, and Engineering of Driverless Trains. Foodlocker is funded both locally and internationally.
Many people will tell you "Retail is Detail". At Foodlocker, they believe "Less is More". Their aim is not to become the largest retail store in Nigeria with the broadest selection of products, but to provide the right selection of top quality foodstuff through their no-frills, fairly priced, locally-sourced, and unbeatably convenient shopping model. startupAFRICA had a chat with Femi Aiki, Co-founder.
What inspired you to start your business? Both my parents were entrepreneurs while I was growing up. My mom ran a successful poultry and my dad was a successful exotic vegetable farmer in his spare time. Professionally, my dad was an advocate for local farmers as a General Manager of the Agricultural Credit Corporation in Oyo State, Nigeria. Both of my parents’ businesses needed to work through demand-supply imbalances, limited access to market, inadequate storage facilities, excessive bargaining power of middlemen, and other problems that plague agriculture in Nigeria. My exposure to ecommerce at Amazon and my co-Founder’s experience in Retail at Bunnings Warehouse both in the UK showed us multiple ways of providing a market for farm produce and guaranteeing top-notch customer experience to over 190 million Nigerians. A visit to Nigeria from the UK showed us a lot of problems we could solve within the food value chain. From pricing to product quality, we saw loopholes that our experience and passions could help us fill. A business model canvas exercise and a company incorporation task later, and Foodlocker (www.foodlocker.com.ng) was born.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other people looking to start a business? Test everything. Nothing is certain. Don’t waste money and time on plausible ideas. Everything will seem reasonable until you test them. What you need is a real MVP-based test of whether that hypothesis will work or not. What has been your biggest achievement so far? We have had a number of achievements including raising pre-seed money from UK and US-based investors, breaking even, and doubling monthly revenues. However, the most significant achievement for us has been the expansion of the scope of our value-delivery network. That expansion means we can offtake from more farmers, sell to more customers, employ more ambitious young people and deliver more value to our investors. Website: https://www.foodlocker.com.ng Email: femi@foodlocker.com.ng Facebook: @foodlockerNigeria Twitter: @foodlocker2 Instagram: @foodlockerng
Personal development with Simone Naidoo BY MBALI JABULILE ZWANE
startupAFRICA had a chat with the founder and CEO of On Purpose Personal Development, Simone Naidoo. Her mission is to develop her clients holistically mind, body & spirit through personal development. She serve her clients as a life coach certified as a Louise Hay Heal Your Life Coach and accredited with COMENSA. What’s the story behind your business? There's a logical and spiritual part. On the logical part, I finished my Master's Degree in financial risk management at UCT, and got a job at the Reserve Bank. As a fresh graduate, I was excited and at that stage Gill Marcus was the Governess. So as a female, it was incredibly inspirational to work at an institution like that. But what I noticed very quickly was what I called "the disease of chronic dissatisfaction", and I saw that with everybody that was at the bank. Almost everybody hated their boss, everybody lived for the weekend, and nobody could give me a clear answer to, "what are you really passionate about"?
"My soul does not whisper, it screams at me" My life looked fantastic on paper, but there was absolutely no fulfillment. That's what sparked my journey that I had to figure out what more is there to this whole game - this can't be it. that's when I got myself a Life Coach in 2014, and I told her that I wanted to discover my passion. I had figured out that everyone had a passion, be it music or sport. From my side, I knew that I loved to talk, and I didn't know that you could make money from that. I later told my Life Coach that I wanted emotional mastery because I felt as if my emotions ran me, and I wished I was a man because, in my limited perception, I believed that men didn't have emotions, that's why they are so powerful. The spiritual part of my answer is that my soul was screaming at me; saying this is not the path that I wanted to follow. I had to listen to my spirit because I'm dramatic by nature which means that my soul does not whisper to me, it screams at me. I also got quite ill and everywhere that I was, my body was telling me this is not where you are supposed to be, and I think because I listened to that, as well as use my intellect, it's what motivated me to leave corporate and start my business.
What has been your biggest achievement so far My biggest achievement is actually following my life's calling. I truly believe that it takes an incredible amount of courage to leave behind the life you thought was going to be yours. It was all mapped out for me; UCT graduate, black female, I didn't have any debt, and my family supported me. I was working for a reputable institution - everything was ticked off - and I decided to leave that path and hit a 180. It was a major step for me because now I get to measure success because I know everything I do is about taking the leap, which I feel and see every day. This is difficult for most people, that's where my business success actually lies. What gives you the most satisfaction in being an entrepreneur? I truly believe that I didn't choose entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is the only definition that I used to follow my calling. If I could have done this work in corporate, I could have done it in a day. It's just that it wasn't there, so I had to use "entrepreneurship". Some people are inherent business figures, they'll sell anything. That's not me. What I am is Purpose-Driven, but because of what I do is so unique, it has to be done in the vehicle of entrepreneurship.
What sort of advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or people want to start what you are currently doing? I would give them what my Life Coach told me, and that is basically, "Start where you are, with what you have." The biggest mistake that I see from entrepreneurs is procrastination. Stop doing the analysis paralysis of the amount of capital that you need, the infrastructure and industrial capability. This is just another way that fear going to stop you - stop you from doing what you love. We are all resourceful beings. If you put a human being in a deserted island, that human being is going to figure out the way to survive. It's built into our DNA and it's exciting with entrepreneurship. Forget about your business plan and start where you are, with what you have. Describe yourself in three words. Teacher, speaker, and seeker. Here's how to contact Simone: Website: www.on-purpose.co.za Instagram: @on_purpose_sa Facebook: @On Purpose Personal Development
WELCOME TO... TOOGOOD
Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur?
By Koketso Seloane
TooGood.ug is an online deal site offering the best discounts on top services from the best providers in and around Kampala city, Uganda. Why did you start this business? I together with my friends and co-founders of TooGood, Nathan Ssenyondo and Kapeyi Samson, had been part of a successful startup here in Uganda back in 2016 that got acquired by the KenyaOut Kenya, a restaurant listing site. Done Deal as it was, gave us much exposure and training in the e-commerce world. When we finally decided to start development of our platform, we had seen a big gap that had been left behind after the exit of Done Deal from the market and it’s from this that we decided to fill up the space. More inspiration for me as an individual was drawn from what I felt that we, as youth techprenuers of Africa, are capable of doing in our space (The African Tech Space) that’s if we determine and vigorously roll out all our efforts and abilities. A lot can be created irrespective of our placements in the region.
Seeing my ideas come to life hahaha... Honestly this is the sweetest thing that any dreamer, youth tech-preneur or business mind will tell you. We love to see a bathroom idea, or evening walk idea, or random talk with friends’ idea being developed into practical solution for our societies, and in this case a web or mobile app and where people signup to use and interact with what was just a mere idea or illusion. This has been the case with TooGood, I remember when I was seated in that development meeting with my colleges Nathan, Samson, Simon and I could speak the system form A-Z like I had just logged out of one and yet, it wasn’t yet developed. This has been case with most of the other platforms that I have innovated and brought to life.
Website http://toogood.ug/ Email: Alex@toogood.ug Deals@toogood.ug Twitter: @toogoodug
4SKIETT ELECTRICAL AND CONSTRUCTION By Ndileka Swakamisa We spoke to Mr Nhlanhla Marcus Skiett, founder of 4Skiett Electrical and Construction. What inspired you to start your business? Bringing change not only to myself as an individual, but to each and every young person out there to believe in themselves that no matter what the circumstances are, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. What sort of challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? On a personal level, growing up was never easy for me but I never allowed what I was going through to get me down. I chose to become a better man, a better person, a better father - as I never grew up with one. When I started my company it wasn’t easy, I went through a lot of ups and downs but through God’s grace I’m still standing and it's doing well. What are your future plans and aspirations for your business? To leave a legacy. Is there anything that you would like to add? Yes, I would like to encourage each and every one out there, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you're from, what the colour of your skin is; you can be anything you want to be. But keep in mind that you cannot do it on your own. Allow God to be your guidance. Let Him be your strength, because without Him nothing is possible. He alone can turn the impossible to possible. He's the leading man within 4Skiett Electrical and Construction. Website: www.marcusskiett@4skiettelectrical.co.za Email: skiettmarcus.iv@gmail.com Twitter: @4skiettelectric Instagram: @skiettmarcus
Meet Ijeoma Balogun By Mbali Sibiya
Ijeoma Balogun is an award-
Communication & Technology,
Ijeoma Balogun is an award-
winning journalist, relationship
Jumia Nigeria, Style House Files,
winning journalist, relationship
builder and the CEO of Redrick
Terra Kulture, Food PRO, SO
builder and the Founder/
Public Relations, a PR agency
Fresh Ltd. to mention a
CEO of Redrick Public Relations,
specialising in designing and
few.
a PR agency specialising in
executing strategic integrated
designing and executing
campaigns that support
In 2016, Ijeoma Balogun brokered
strategic integrated campaigns
enterprises and startups to
a strategic partnership with
that support enterprises and
innovate, accelerate
Celebrity Services Africa
start-ups to innovate, accelerate
and grow.
(CSA.Global). Joining a select
and grow.
group of global partners in Dubai, Redrick PR past and present
South Africa, Europe and the USA.
Ijeoma serves as a thought-
roaster of clients consist of
The partnership offers Redrick PR
leader and is an accomplished
government agencies,
the opportunity to present local &
public speaker. In May 2018,
international corporations and
multinational companies with
She gave a TEDx Talk at the
SMEs such as: Viber, BAV
resources and a pool of talent
TEDxBellsTech event.
Consulting (a unit of the WPP
from around the world.
Group & Forbes Global 2000),
Ijeoma is an honours graduate
Mitsubishi Motors, We Connect
Through this partnership, Redrick
of Global & Integrated Marketing
International, The Federal
PR has executed regional
Communications from
Ministry of Trade & Industry,
campaigns for The EstĂŠe
the American University of Paris,
The Federal Ministry of
Lauder Companies.
France.