Starting with a printer and a dream

Starting with a printer and a dream

Meet Waya Waya Global ConnectionFounder and Director, Patson Phala

Waya Waya Global Connection began as a printing company which was empowering young people in the

Sekhukhune district. “I started Waya Waya with just a computer and a black and white printer and photocopier that was only capable of making 100 copies per day. No staff - just me and my courage,” says Founder and Director, Patson Phala.

The published author and entrepreneur has a bold vision for scaling up his business and impacting the communities where it operates. “Investing Tomorrow, Today” is the company slogan, pointing to its future-facing approach. With plans for a sneaker brand and an app launching soon, the sky is the limit for Patson Phalaand Waya Waya Global Connection.

Please could you share with us your journey as an entrepreneur

In 2014, I registered Waya Waya Global Connection Pty Ltd, which was Waya Waya Communication, a close corporation offering services in printing and making copies. It trained and empowered young people in the rural areas of the Sekhukhune district. I started Waya Waya with just a computer, and a black and white printer and photocopier that was only capable of making 100 copies per day. No staff - just me and my courage.

Three years later, I was able to grow my business by employing four young women and three men, and we then introduced graphic design, designing "Dikoma'' - which are initiation school certificates. This was after I approached the office of the former Premier of Limpopo, Sello Moloto. He was impressed and he introduced me to the Head of Traditional Leadership in his office.

Around 2005/6 I introduced t-shirt printing and shop signage after I began occupying a shop in Jane Furse Plaza, which was our first shopping plaza in the rural areas.

What are the services Waya Waya Global Connection offers?

• Financing major infrastructure projects for the private and public sectors - From R300 000 000 for individuals and from R50 000 000 000 for government entities

• Schools Career Expo organising the "Who Am I” app

• Training and motivation of young entrepreneurs in rural areas

• ICT distribution and sales

• The company is financing on five continents; including Africa, Asia, Europe, Australasia, and North & South America.

Please share with us some of the business’ major milestones since its inception.

• Signing a life-long agreement in 2011 with The Prepaid Company to be the sole retailer of sim cards, data and airtime to all the tribal offices and schools in Sekhukhune

• In June 2022 I signed an agreement with a Chinese shoe-making company to design "Waya-Waya Sneakers", which will be launched in September this year

• I recently published my first book titled "Who Am I: Black's Awakening", which is available on Amazon

• Signing an agreement with the Dammam Capital Middle East Investment in the UAE. The agreement is for my company to have the sole mandate for financing on five continents, including Asia and North America

How is Waya Waya Global Connection empowering women?

Waya Waya Global Connection is still the only small enterprise in the Sekhukhune district employing more young women than men, including those without a matric certificate. My business philosophy is that, "employees are able to move on after three years because we have a mentorship program within that empowers them to become employers after leaving Waya Waya Global Connection. Most of the young women who left my company are in the same industry and most of the IT equipment they own now was bought by Waya Waya Global Connection. Most of the women we employ are from the Sekhukhune FET College, who we agree to give internships to after they complete their diplomas in accounting, software development, HR, marketing and business management etc.

What exciting plans do you have for the coming year?

• My focus for 2023 will be on transformation in education through the "Who Am I” app as the country is struggling to cope with youth unemployment, gender-based violence, high divorce rate and poor performance. The app will transform our education system, our families' lives and our economic structure.

• Opening Waya Waya Global Courier Services in all provinces, for the distribution of healthcare products

• Launching the Waya-Waya Sneakers' brand and the "Who Am I: Black's Awakening" book in September 2022.

What message would you like to share with our readers?

"Do not start a business because you want to make money. Identify a problem and bring a solution to it and you shall not lack money."

Contact details:

078 649 0106 079 125 1300

pphala877@gmail.com www.wayawayaglobal.co.za