entrepreneurship africa 2012

P A R T N E R S

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The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards is about celebrating entrepreneurs and creates a platform to give acknowledgement and recognition to the unsung heroes of our economy, the successful entrepreneurs, for their vision, innovation, perseverance, drive and commitment to their enterprises. This year saw the competition growing in leaps and bounds towards becoming the premier competition for entrepreneurs in South Africa.

It’s a known fact that small and

medium businesses are the engine of wealth creation, job facilitation and poverty alleviation.

Therefore it is imperative that those of us who can, should indeed do what we can to encourage and support our country’s entrepreneurs.

During 2011 the EOY awards competition reached new heights in terms of more categories – therefore more winners – more entries and more prizes. Two further categories viz. Job Creator Entrepreneur of the Year and

Innovator Entrepreneur of the Year were introduced – adding a twist to the judging process.

It is now 23 years since the launch of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Through its partners, Sanlam and Business Partners Limited new heights were achieved by also empowering existing and aspiring entrepreneurs through a suite of services and resources such as topical workshops, newsletters, business diagnostics, advice and financing your business. We are striving to create a culture of growth, perseverance, leadership, innovation, tenacity, drive, agility, commitment, endurance, diligence and enthusiasm amongst all entrepreneurs for the better of our country.

Marc Sternberg’s idea sparkedsuccessWinner: Entrepreneur of theYear® 2011

Like every good story, it has to begin somewhere and for Marc Sternberg, it all began in the land down under – Sydney, Australia, where Marc lived with his wife Tanya. “We were on a visit to Cape Town in 2005, when I was at a restaurant with my family and could not find an ATM nearby to draw cash,” says Marc. “At the time, I was employed as general manager for Vodafone Retail and my wife Tanya and I decided to return to South Africa, but were contemplating what to do business-wise when we returned.”Marc, who was keen on starting his own business, was aware how sparse access to cash and banking services were in South Africa, and how big convenience ATMs are in developed countries such as Australia and the USA.

“I set about researching the convenience ATM market and then proceeded to travel the world; speaking to ATM deployers, researching hardware suppliers, systems, switches,

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banks, and all aspects related to setting up a convenience ATM network in South Africa,” he explains.

The two most important business partners that Marc secured for the company were Chungho Comnet Co Ltd in Korea as the hardware supplier, and Capitec Bank as the banking partner. Back then, it was still early days for Capitec who have only just grown to be a force to be reckoned with in the South African banking world – just as Spark has grown in the merchant-filled ATM market. “I persuaded investment banker Russel Berman to come on board as sales director, and we started trading. Spark grew fast as customers and potential customers soon realised what an important gap in the market our ATMs were filling, and the benefits the product and concept offered merchants,” Marc shares. “Soon after Spark’s inception, we employed technical manager, Dalton Jacobs, and systems manager, Buks Hanekom; both of whom are still with the company today. Technical, financial, sales and support staff followed and Spark grew very quickly over the last five years into the company it is today – employing around 80 staff across South Africa, and with a footprint of 1 500 merchant-filled ATMs countrywide.”

According to Marc, passion, integrity and excellence are company values that drive the business. The product, service and solution offering available from Spark is certainly unique and fills

The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards is about celebrating entrepreneurs and creates a platform to give acknowledgement and recognition to the unsung heroes of our economy, the successful entrepreneurs, for their vision, innovation, perseverance, drive and commitment to their enterprises. This year saw the competition growing in leaps and bounds towards becoming the premier competition for entrepreneurs in South Africa.

It’s a known fact that small and

medium businesses are the engine of wealth creation, job facilitation and poverty alleviation.

Therefore it is imperative that those of us who can , should indeed do what we can to encourage and support our country’s entrepreneurs.

During 2011 the EOY awards competition reached new heights in terms of more categories – therefore more winners – more entries and more prizes. Two further categories viz. Job Creator Entrepreneur of the Year and

Innovator Entrepreneur of the Year were introduced – adding a twist to the judging process.

It is now 23 years since the launch of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Through its partners, Sanlam and Business Partners Limited new heights were achieved by also empowering existing and aspiring entrepreneurs through a suite of services and resources such as topical workshops, newsletters, business diagnostics, advice and financing your business. We are striving to create a culture of growth, perseverance, leadership, innovation, tenacity , drive, agility, commitment, endurance, diligence and enthusiasm amongst all entrepreneurs for the better of our country.

Marc Sternberg’s idea sparkedsuccessWinner: Entrepreneur of theYear® 2011

Like every good story, it has to begin somewhere and for Marc Sternberg, it all began in the land down under – Sydney, Australia, where Marc lived with his wife Tanya. “We were on a visit to Cape Town in 2005, when I was at a restaurant with my family and could not find an ATM nearby to draw cash,” says Marc. “At the time, I was employed as general manager for Vodafone Retail and my wife Tanya and I decided to return to South Africa, but were contemplating what to do business-wise when we returned.”Marc, who was keen on starting his own business, was aware how sparse access to cash and banking services were in South Africa, and how big convenience ATMs are in developed countries such as Australia and the USA.

“I set about researching the convenience ATM market and then proceeded to travel the world; speaking to ATM deployers, researching hardware suppliers, systems, switches,

a gap in the local ATM market.“Giving access to cash and banking

services to South Africans, often where banks do not, while at the same time benefiting the merchants who host the ATMs, makes all of us at Spark feel great about what we do,” Marc comments. “Another big factor for us is the exceptional customer service we offer. It has become something we are renowned for.”

Spark is the premier independent ATM deployer in South Africa – selling, installing and maintaining world-leading ATMs into the local market. Convenience ATMs have taken the world by storm and today are found just about anywhere; and Spark is proud to be at the forefront of revolutionising the South African ATM industry. “Make sure you start or run a business based on something you are passionate about.

And never forget to put your customers first,” Marc offers. Marc is deeply honoured to have won the overall Entrepreneur of the Year® Award and believes that entrepreneurs should be celebrated, and entrepreneurship developed and nurtured in South Africa. “I am passionate about the work entrepreneurs are doing to further the economic and social goals of South Africa. The Entrepreneur of the Year® Award does not only belong to me. It also belongs to my partner and good friend, Russel, and to our wonderful staff who make up the Spark family, as well as our customers, business

partners and suppliers. You all make Spark ATM Systems the incredible company it is today,” he concludes.

Troy Carelse: When opportunity knocks answer it!Winner: Medium Category

Foaming Concepts is a manufacturing company that converts a product called flexible polyurethane, which is used as a raw material to produce premium bedding, lounge suites and office furniture. Started by CEO Troy Carelse in 2006, the company is situated in Wadeville, Johannesburg, and prides itself on quality workmanship, competitive pricing and lead time. ‘Foaming’ is attributed to the core of the business’s manufacturing activity and ‘Concepts’ refers to the business’s innovative way of producing flexible polyurethane foam and the manner in which it services its clientele.

Carelse studied towards a diploma in mechanical engineering and holds a business management diploma from the Henley Business School (UK). A qualified fitter and turner, he has been in the industry for approximately 13 years, and was previously employed as managing director at Loungefoam – a subsidiary of Steinhoff Holdings International. “I had seen an opportunity in the market that had not been targeted i.e. supply of flexible urethane to the independent manufacturers of bedding and lounge suites, as I felt they were being held ransom by existing suppliers due to the

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controlling market,” he explains.“This meant that certain buyers of

flexible urethane such as Restonic, Serta, Simmons, etc. previously had to purchase this product from Vitafoam (a subsidiary of Steinhoff), and they also had to compete with companies such as Edblo and Sealy – also owned by Steinhoff. During my time at Steinhoff, I had felt that this arrangement was unfair and, when I saw an opportunity to set up a foam manufacturing company to service these independents, I grabbed it.”

According to Carelse, what makes Foaming Concepts unique in this industry is based on four important factors, namely:

Price – Because of our low overhead structure, we believe we can offer the most competitive price.

Lead time – Even with this lean team, we still have the ability to service customers within one to two day periods.

Quality – Our quality of the product is on par with the latest in Europe as our manufacturing equipment has been sourced abroad.

Innovation – We are actively involved with our customers by assisting them with re-engineering of their products and processes in order to achieve better efficiencies and costs in their businesses. “I firmly believe that in any successful company, your key asset is the stakeholders that support you and the relationships that you have with them. This includes employees, clients, suppliers and shareholders,” he reiterates.

Staying motivatedCarelse is happily married to his wife of 25 years, Ursula, and they have two sons: Dane and Grant.

He creates a balance between his career and personal life by always setting aside time for his family when returning home from work. “My bonding time includes activities such as playing golf with my sons and socialising with friends and family. The strength that I draw from my family support system is what motivates and drives me.”

“Looking at myself,” he continues, “my advice to other business owners

renowned for its commitment to deliver signature developments of high quality that deliver aboveaverage investment returns.

In addition to construction, the company is involved in the sale and purchase of development property. Where appropriate, specialised development teams have been set up to assist with the ongoing marketing and sales of development opportunities.

Marule is also venturing into the building of hotels, guest houses, flats, commercial buildings and offices. “We are looking at expanding our accommodation base to Pretoria. With regard to the mining sector, it is a new investment and I will have to analyse the turnover. But I have a good team that will help me to expand. For now, there is a dire need for accommodation in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Polokwane, and I will be focusing my energies there.” Lennin has people employed to monitor the accommodation sites every day, especially buildings that house students. He has regular meetings with the approximate 42 staff members in order to remain hands-on. During those meetings, says Lennin, decisions are made and the staff then goes back and implements these decisions.

Apart from concentrating solely on the bottom line, Lennin and his team are constantly involved in social responsibility initiatives and strive to make a valuable impact in the community by donating funds to the local churches and welfare groups; availing the Villa Shalom Hall to residents for church services; making the guest house available at no cost for church-related seminars and meetings; and donating toward school fees and funeral services for Marule company employees.

Accolades and accreditations Marule has been a client of Business Partners for the past six years. Apart from winning the small category in this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year® awards, Lennin was also nominated by Business Partners as Entrepreneur of the Year® back in 2007. As winner of the KZN/Mpumalanga region, he participated as one of the three finalists and was named runnerup.

In the same year, Lennin was also the recipient of the Old Mutual AHI Small Enterprise of the Year Award.

and entrepreneurs is the following: I think one has to be results driven and therefore setting realistic and achievable goals is important. A good business plan is key to any successful business.” He goes on to mention that developing the skill of problem-solving and decision-making will certainly lead to some success, as will the ability to communicate effectively.

“Measuring and quantifying is vital – you cannot manage what you cannot measure – and good leadership qualities are also a necessity. One has to lead by example,” explains Carelse. “But over and above, I believe that a good value system such as honesty, accountability, commitment, loyalty and a positive attitude, also contributes toward success.”

Lenin Marula: Property Mogul shines at EOY awardsWinner: Small Category

Tshidiso Lennin Marule, director of Marule Property Developement Holdings, describes himself as “relentless”. With a hand in the property, construction and mining industries, people might say that he’s biting off more than he can chew. But Lennin doesn’t agree, and winning the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year® Small Business Category Award is testimony to his success.

The old adage ‘behind every successful man is a woman’ is not entirely correct. In the case of Lennin

Marule, his wife was anything but pleased when he announced that he was quitting his well-paid job to start up a business. “She was nervous and rightfully so but she is happy now and supports me fully,” he says.

When Lennin started out in the entrepreneurial world, he proceeded to buy up accommodation in Witbank, monopolising the area and even securing a deal with Eskom. “The money I received, I used to venture into other businesses. For example, people had mining rights but did not have the finances to operate in the mining sector, so I invested in this industry.” Lennin has experience in both the property and construction industries but his vast knowledge was not spread across mining; and he currently has experienced people working for him on this aspect of the business. All his businesses operate under the Marule Family Trust.

The property game according to Lennin is the driving force behind Marule Property Development Holdings’ ongoing success is the exceptionally stable core team of dedicated professionals, most of whom have more than 20 years experience in their respective disciplines. Each employee is well-trained and has a passion for quality. Catering for a wide range of property owners, both local and provincial, the company specialises in the design and building of multi-storey residential properties.

Situated in Witbank, the company is

The company is registered with the Estate Agent Affairs Board, the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb).

Elian Wiener: An epic success Winner: Emerging CategoryWinner: Innovator Category

Founded in 2009 and already ranked the 7th largest public relations and communications company in South Africa It’s comes as no surprise that founder and managing director of Epic Communications, Elian Wiener, walked off with two coveted titles at the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards: Emerging Emerging of the Year® and The Innovation Award. Here’s how it all began…results driven and therefore setting realistic and achievable goals is important. A good business plan is key to any successful business.” He goes on to mention that developing the skill of problem-solving and decision-making will certainly lead to some success, as will the ability to communicate effectively.

In less than three years, Epic Communications went from a zero client base to currently more than 25 retainer clients – the vast majority of which are blue chip companies such as Old Mutual, Aon, DuPont, Nedgroup Investments, and WesBank. “When I started Epic Communications, I knew it was crucial to attract high quality staff if I was going to have any chance of securing any major clients; all of whom are traditionally reluctant to outsource


to a one man show,” says Elian, who managed to grow the business to one that now employs more than 20 staff in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. “The vast majority of public relations agencies in South Africa focus on the consumer sector i.e. restaurants, celebrities, FMCG, etc, while very few have the technical ability to be able to provide communications services to companies looking to showcase their intellectual capital and position themselves as thought leaders to their respective target audiences.”

But Elian, who had all the skills and experience necessary to fill this gap – thanks to his position as head of external communications at Old Mutual – approached the market with a well-constructed business case and plenty of belief. A man on a mission, he then went on to seek out a few key personnel – all of whom are still with the company and have benefited in many ways, including financially.

Pierre Conradie: Creatingopportunities in the face ofadversityWinner: Job Creator of the Year

Pierre Conradie, founder and director of the Alpha Group, was the recipient of the prestigious 2011 Job Creator of the Year Award at the annual Entrepreneur of the Year® awards ceremony.

Creating employment for 1 200 people in the rural area of Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, no one was more deserving of the title.

Pierre Conradie had a dream – he envisioned a multi-faceted company 25 years ago, the Alpha Group, which encompasses Alpha Security and Patrols as the group’s core, since this was his longest-standing business having been operational for more than 11 years. Alpha is the first letter of the alphabet and, according to Pierre, no other name signified a better beginning for the group.

But the Alpha Group is not where Pierre’s entrepreneurial skills set in. He was always business-minded with his first experience in entrepreneurship starting when he was just 8-years-old selling fruit at school.

“Never give up!” Pierre emphasises. “Never lose sight of the fact that you are as good as the people that work for you, therefore surround yourself with people that are willing to go beyond the

Tel: +27 11 713 [email protected]

www.eoy.co.za

call. “I have a diploma in Agriculture, completely unrelated to the security industry, but I will quote Sun Szu author of The Art of War when I say – leadership is a matter of intelligence.”

Many companies claim to be a one-stop shop but none rings more true than with Alpha Group.

The company is a one-stop shop in its own right, servicing everyone in the security arena ranging from household security to business security concepts, security solutions, monitoring, response and installations, and nationwide offsite video monitoring tracking services. The organisation prides itself on also being an intelligence collection company that provides Intel to various stakeholders. And if that isn’t enough, the group has the following on offer under its umbrella:

• Hluhluwe Arms & Ammo: a retail business

• Wetlands Engineering: a vibrant business that provides various engineering solutions, mainly specialising in the sale of fleet and other vehicles

• CIS Investigation and Security Services: providing security solutions and services including cash-in-transit

• Intrax Investments: property development in and around the Hluhluwe area

• Hluhluwe Properties: deals solely with the sale and rental of properties in and around the Hluhluwe area

“Over and above everything, what makes us unique is that we source the right personnel, and we offer tailor-made solutions,” Pierre explains. “And we are able to do this because everything our clients’ need is housed under one group.”Apart from been a successful businessman, Pierre is also successful in his personal life, especially to have his wife, Sanet, support him in his entrepreneurial venture from the get-go. “I sold my wife’s car and used the proceeds to start my first business,” he recalls. “What other wife would be that understanding?

“I try to spend as much time as possible with my wife and kids, Pierre Junior and Dawie. We support the kids in all aspects they undertake and always ensure that both of us or either one of us is present when they participate in any event.” Dad is also happy to mention that Pierre Junior made the family proud when he won the 2009 SA National Off-Road Motorcycle Senior 85cc Championship.

When asked how it felt to win the first-time ever Job Creator of Year Award, Pierre modestly replied: “It is humbling to see how many people’s lives are impacted by this group of companies. I think that is what entrepreneurship is all about – not just helping yourself but also helping other people.”

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Grow Africa InitiativeA showcase and awareness platform for truly effective entrepreneurship, SME and skills development programs in Southern Africa.

The Grow Africa Initiative’s vision is to join together and showcase truly effective entrepreneurship, SME and skills development programs, with the understanding that the combined resources, momentum and energy will result in a “butterfly effect” so as to make a substantial difference in uplifting the people, economy, and social stability of Southern Africa.

The Grow Africa Initiative will join hands with businesses, NGOs and government to communicate, create, and fast track solutions to fundamental economic challenges we face in an ever widening gap in wealth creation and living standards, for the majority of our population.

Background and rationaleThe importance of the role of entrepreneurs and SMEs in the economies of the world is undisputed. Governmental focus on this sector is therefore essential for economic growth. One of the major problems facing new SMEs is the perennial problem of obtaining access to credit from commercial banks and trade creditors thus falling short of necessary financial resources.

The survival rate of SMMEs in Southern Africa therefore needs to be improved.

Key Focus AreasIn order to achieve a meaningful contribution to the economy, people, and communities of Southern Africa, the following key focus areas will be used as a basis for engaging projects or initiatives.

These outcomes will be reported in terms of the below mentioned key areas:• Entrepreneurship;• Small to Medium Enterprise

development;• Job creation (incorporating skills

transfer, training and development);• Community development;• Southern African Exports and Inter

African Trade.

Given that the entrepreneurs and SMEs are responsible for 70% of all new jobs created in the market, it is therefore important to take the SME or SMME market into account when addressing the subject of job creation. We see the empowerment of SMMEs as a dependable vehicle for

GROW AFRICAI N I T I A T I V E

the realisation of this goal. The Grow Africa Initiatives will serve to support entrepreneurship and SME programs that bridge the gap in key areas which inhibit their growth, thereby addressing the subject of job creation.

Key Objectives:• Identify and showcase the

stakeholders in entrepreneurship and SME support;

• Grow the resources pool to support entrepreneurship and SMEs;

• Create measures to address key entrepreneurship and SME support areas;

• Share knowledge and resources to enjoy the butterfly effect in making a substantial difference to our economic and social stability;

• Increase awareness significantly to government and business in Southern Africa about the importance of these initiatives to grow the resource pool.

www.GrowAfrica.info


Entrepreneur of the Year® 2010Business Partners founder of this inspirational award 21 years ago, is delighted to welcome back Sanlam as co-sponsor.

Creating a platform to give recognition to the vision, innovation, perseverance, drive and commitment of successful entrepreneurs in South Africa is its primary purpose but not its sole aim. Small and medium enterprises are both the fulcrum and the life blood of any country’s economy. Celebrating entrepreneurs means we hold them up as role models – people who create wealth for themselves and jobs for many.

2010 has marked the successful relaunch of this prestigious award reporting 331 entries. The award has 3 categories being the Emerging, Small and then Medium Entrepreneur of the Year® with the crowning award of the overall Entrepreneur of the Year®. The

criteria included both qualitative and quantitative measures and the submissions were audited by Stefan Beyers of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Martin Beyers takes it one step at a timeWinner: Entrepreneur of the Year®

2010

The reason for Martin Beyer’s success in the competition – and in business – is clear: he is the embodiment of real entrepreneurship. Vision, creativity, innovation, careful planning, passion and hard work are the best adjectives to use.

Beyers studied ceramic technology and worked as a production manager and product developer for a large


multinational. He explains that in the ceramic industry, volumes and standardised products are the name of the game. Today, CERadvance is completely focused on providing its client base with specialised ceramic solutions. Beyers showed sheer innovation in the development of their product line. He says that the ceramics industry largely focuses on the hardness aspect of their products to add value. But, ceramic is also a material that is extremely heat and corrosion resistant.

CERadvance acts as a technological partner to its clients where specific solutions are developed using ceramic technology. While this approach might take some time, the eventual solutions offer the client significant cost savings and improved efficiencies in the long run. Beyers explains that the less often you have to replace a component through wear and tear, the less downtime you have in a production facility. It is this practical cost saving that allows the business to be a niche player in this standardised, volume-driven market.

Beyers says that from day one, he attempted to provide CERadvance with a professional image that would instill confidence amongst clients. This included ISO 9001:2000 certification, lecturing at local universities, being visible at seminars and expos and joining industry associations. He explains that it was extremely important to let the market know that the business was not a fly by night and that their solutions were practical and offered direct value.

Beyers has learnt to constantly re-evaluate himself

and the business and this was one of the reasons for entering the Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition. He explains that the process allowed people outside of his daily reality – the judges – to enter the operation, identify shortcomings and successes and help him to improve. “Winning acknowledges that there is a legitimacy to the business, that it adds value and that it is worth while. Entrepreneurs want to know that they are on the right path. “You constantly have to re-evaluate yourself to ensure that you are on the right path because the small business reality constantly changes.

Theo Bakkum: Snack manufacturer master of reinventionWinner: Medium category

The saying adversity breeds opportunity is relevant to almost all entrepreneurs in South Africa, but none more so than Theo Bakkum. The Managing Director of Awesome Snacks has had a turbulent decade to say the least. But, it is the way in which he overcame the challenges presented which saw him crowned the Sanlam / Business Partners Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year.

The business produces a number of naks and curls, as well as powdered drinks. Awesome Snacks brought back the Ghostbusters brand and they struggled to keep up with the demand this old favourite created. Unfortunately for them, Simba did not appreciate the move and the rights to use the brand were revoked.

Due to this Bakkum says that


they had no choice but to change direction. Awesome Snacks started producing their own branded products, hoping that the masses of school children they were targeting would accept their naks and curls.

They soon found however that this market is somewhat different and once again they needed to adapt. “A nak is a nak,” Bakkum says. “We needed something extra.” They secured the rights to use the WWE wrestling characters as well as some of the heroes from the Marvel comic franchise. Success was inevitable and today, the company moves about 350 tons of product each month.

The company has also secured a deal to supply the Woolworths chain with its house-branded naks and curls. Bakkum expects that eight new production lines will be on offer within the next six months. He explains that gaining market share is a slow process and that you need to chip away at it daily to increase the business’ footprint.

Martin Brown: Challenge becomes opportunityWinner: Small category

Martin Brown has a competitive advantage that none of his rivals can beat: he is paralysed from the neck down. In Brown’s eyes, he is not disabled; he is ahead of the competition. “If two people tried to sell you a wheelchair and I was one of them, who would you buy it from?” This somewhat simple statement is the cornerstone of a business that is quickly blossoming into an international operation. With partner Pieter Nell by his side, Brown has taken Radical Holdings from a concept created by necessity, to an operation that has seemingly no limits.

For three years his mother had to wheel him around the house as he was confined by the maneuverability of the chair. Better chairs were available on the international market but the price tag made it a pipedream.

Brown investigated the possibility of building a more robust and maneuverable chair as your environment inhibits you. If you were an active person beforehand, you find yourself having to ask everyone for everything. The moment you become mobile, you regain some independence

Brown and Nell approached all the major banks and about 20 venture capitalists for the R500 000 they needed. In the end, it was only the private SME investment firm Business Partners that believed in the concept. The business now manufacturers a range of chairs. With adjustable seats, a rugged frame and wheels, as well as advanced electronic controls, it gives the user freedom of movement. While the base models are all customised for the user’s body, the more expensive units are completely personalised and this includes items such as custom paintwork or wheels. Some models have 4x4 or 4x2 capabilities that allow the user to traipse almost any terrain. So far, the business’ ten employees have made 500 chairs and it takes between six and eight weeks to complete a unit. About 30% of his stock is for the export market.

Radical Computing is also part of Brown’s business stable. This business customises solutions for specific users and also automates home environments using infrared, voice-activated remotes. Plans are afoot to integrate these technologies with the wheelchairs.


Lovely Letsoalo: Pharmacist pursues entrepreneurial freedomWinner: Emerging category

Where others saw an abandoned post office in Pretoria’s West Park, Lovely Letsoalo saw a beginning. While it would be the beginning of a pharmacy, it would also be the beginning of a new business empire. The pharmacist and winner of the Sanlam / Business Partners Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year says that during her rise in the corporate ranks, there was always a yearning to own her own business.

Letsoalo spent a number of

months honing her business plan and decided that the pharmacy would open up on 1 November 2008 come hell or high water. But, this goal seemed destined to remain a pipedream, as she could not secure the finance needed.

Letsoalo explains that she had basically bankrupted herself in setting up shop so she was labeled as a high-risk investment. Luckily, an uncle was able to lend her some money and the business was started with a mere R150 000.

Letsoalo explains that she had grown up in the area and that she always had to go far afield to visit a pharmacy. She wanted to give the residents in the area access

not only to medicine, but also to the service that one expects from a family pharmacy.

Letsoalo might have had a pharmacy, but she did not have a lot of medicine. If a customer needed a specific prescription filled, she would immediately drive to the wholesaler and deliver it to their home: “People want to know that you care and that you will go the extra mile.” This allowed her to prove her commitment to the community and the word started to spread.

While the 300 m2 building Letsoalo secured is ideally positioned next to a small community shopping centre, it is too big for her small business.

But, she had taken this into account during the planning phase and sublet part of the building to a doctor, optometrist and a dentist. Immediately, the premise was transformed from an empty building into a health care destination for the community.

Because there is a doctor, dentist and optometrist in the building, she stocks specialist medical items that are covered by medical aids. It is through this careful management that the pharmacy’s turnover doubled in its second year.

Tel: +27 11 713 6600www.businesspartners.co.za


Young Business for South Africa (YBSA)

YBSA is a 12-year-old non-profit organisation focused on developing the African leaders of tomorrow. The organisation’s members are primarily young South African residents who are passionate about participating meaningfully in Africa’s economic and social development.

YBSA members come from a wide variety of backgrounds; some are climbing the corporate ladder while others are carving a niche for themselves as entrepreneurs. They are however united by a common drive to achieve. Their quest for success is supported by YBSA’s strategic intent: to foster an environment in which the leadership qualities most critical to Africa’s developmental success are promoted in its economically active youth. Hence the YBSA member is encouraged through programmes, initiatives and events to Learn, Serve and Create.

Africa needs leaders who are conversant with the business and socio-economic developmental challenges on the continent and the merits of potential solutions. An academic education partnered with learning from the real world experiences of successful leaders, will arm the future leaders of the continent with valuable knowledge.

“I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?” Benjamin DisraeliThose in positions of authority who do not know how to serve often do not know how to truly lead. A service-oriented leadership culture needs to be engendered in young African leaders. For their personal development and growth, they must be afforded opportunities to avail themselves in service to others, using their skills to participate meaningfully in efforts that address specific socio-economic challenges in our communities.

Entrepreneurship is the one area that has the potential to make the greatest contribution to alleviating the socio-economic imbalances and developmental challenges that exist in Africa. Fostering a culture and environment in which entrepreneurship can thrive and in which innovation is celebrated and supported makes for a sound investment in a prosperous future for our continent.

Create - YBSA is passionate about entrepreneurship and is constantly seeking opportunities to stimulate and support entrepreneurial activity amongst the youth. Working with various partners, the organisation allows its members to access various programmes and initiatives that can help them to better manage their businesses. Through its events, YBSA also invites prominent entrepreneurs and business people to relate elements of their success stories to aspiring entrepreneurs. Importantly, the organisation strives to promote a philosophy that the “fear of failure” should not arrest the development of the entrepreneurial sector. Young business people are encouraged to embrace the abundant learning and personal development opportunities that come with taking the initiative and risk of a new business venture notwithstanding business failure at the first attempt.

LEARN

SERVE

CREATE

YBSA function with Don Suite Hotels, 18 November 2010. Back Row, left to right : Telana Simpson (Board Member), Tumelo Molope (Director), Zuki Mzozoyana

(Director), Thabiso Tlelai (Speaker - CEO Don Group). Front Row left to right : John McCosh (Member), Themba Mtombeni (Chairman)

Email: [email protected] www.ybsa.org.za


Suresh KanaCEO Southern Africa – PwC

Your company must field many requests for sponsorship so what is it about YBSA that resonates with PwC that sees you continuing to support YBSA?

YBSA’s objectives mirror some of our own business strategies, in particular leadership development and the growth of our economy through the development of entrepreneurial businesses. We are also pleased to be involved with Africa’s future leaders, who are so clearly passionate about the social and economic growth of South Africa.

YBSA’s focus areas (Learn, Serve, Create) seek to promote 3 areas of leadership development that they believe have not been sufficiently prevalent on our continent to date. “Create” focuses on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation for business in particular and as a positive leadership attribute in general. How important do you believe entrepreneurship is for our future on the continent?

Absolutely critical. Through our Private Company Services, an arm of our firm dedicated to assisting owner-managed SMMEs to realise value and build their businesses, we have seen that these types of businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and play a critical role in growing our country even further as they develop and mature. In 1992, we founded the Business Skills for South Africa (BSSA) Foundation which, to date, has trained over 20 000 SMME owner-managers, and over 1 800 advisers have participated in BSSA’s business adviser training.

Leaders need to constantly develop and evolve in order to maintain an effective commanding position. As an organisation, PwC is a market leader and is currently undertaking a significant brand and image evolution. How will the evolution of your brand help you to maintain your position as a market leader?

PwC’s ambition is to be the world’s number one professional services network – in revenue, profitability, brand, quality and talent. Our global leadership has set some very aggressive growth plans for the network, and to enable us to realise these ambitions, we need to strengthen our brand and make it work harder for our business. Our brand is much more than a logo - it’s about our reputation and how our clients, people and the world perceive us. Quite simply, we want to create value for our clients and our people. When we talk about value, we don’t mean value as we see it. Value means different things for different people. For some clients, value may reflect the goals of their organisation. For others, it may reflect their personal goals. The same counts for our people.

Tel: +27 11 797 4000 www.pwc.com


Abey Mokgwatsane andWanda Shuenyane

Abey Mokgwatsane and Wanda Shuenyane met at a YBSA event 12 years ago. In 2005 they decided to join forces, and along with a third partner, Jameson Hlongwane, they formed Sceptre Marketing. As Sceptre, they invested in an Experiential Agency called VWV with Abey assuming the role of CEO. The VWV Group (Pty) Ltd is now the leading Experiential Agency in Africa and successfully produced the award winning FIFA 2010 World Cup Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Abey, you are one of the founding Directors of YBSA. What drove you all to start YBSA in 1998?

It was the need for me as a young and proud South African to motivate my peers to commit to the country and be a part of its success.

YBSA has progressed from it’s original mandate ofencouraging positivity amongst young South African professionals. Its focus is now on helping young business people to develop into strong leaders. Looking back after 12 years, is this what the founding members envisaged and how relevant do you think the organisation is today?

The essence of the original vision was for the organisation to help South Africa succeed. The medium used was to inspire a positive spirit about

South Africa. While the objective remains the same, the medium now is to develop the leaders of tomorrow. I believe leadership is the single biggest global challenge, so yes it is relevant today.

Abey and Wanda, if there was one thing each of you could impart to prospective YBSA members, what would that be?

Always connect. Meet people and engage. Understand different perspectives and look out for opportunites wherever you go. YBSA gives you the platform but you will have to leverage it yourself.

What advice do you have for current YBSA members?

Your commitment and aspiration will make South Africa a better country!

Abey, you have been a YBSA director for 12 years. Why do you continue to be so involved with the organisation?

I am still passionate and feel I can add value. I will be involved for as long as those requirements are met.

Tel: +27 11 442 2780www.sceptre.co.za


Lancelot Thwala Liberty Group Franchise Principle

Tel: +27 11 431 1964E-mail: [email protected]

Young entrepreneur Lancelot Thwala owns a Liberty franchise business, Lib-One Financial Services (PTY) Ltd based in Northcliff, Johannesburg. He was born in Soweto in 1978 and had aspirations of becoming a pilot. After high school, while working to fund the completion of his pilot’s licence, his interests changed and he was drawn to the financial services sector. Lancelot was one of five YBSA members who successfully qualified for the SAICA EDS (South African Institute for Chartered Accountants, Enterprise Development Services) Entrepreneurship Initiative that provided business support valued at ZAR 75,000.

How long have you been a member of YBSA?

I started with YBSA in February 2010.

What do you feel are some of the benefits of being a member of YBSA?

It provides personal development from an entrepreneurial point of view. I have gained broader insights through the networking and relationship building opportunites YBSA offers. I also enjoy being part of a credible and recognised business organisation. My business has also benefitted as it was selected for two programmes that provided much needed business support.

Could you tell us how the SAICA EDS Entrepreneurship Initiative has benefitted your business?

It provided me with a better understanding of business financial management. I received training in processing financial records, upskilling to take personal responsibility and control for managing mybusiness finances. My audited financials were prepared for year-end Feb 2009, and reporting mechanisms are now in place to enable me to better understand the financial side of my business. I also received assistance to enhance my focus on revenue growth and cost management and the preparation of the monthly payroll.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Hopefully providing more employment opportunities for young people and providing them with an opportunity to develop skills. I also want to grow my company and to broaden our scope from local to international, whilst contributing to the growth of our economy.

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