A passion for entrepreneurship drives Samukelisiwe
Samukelisiwe Machi (32), an entrepreneur born and bred in Lambton, is scaling the logistics industry one truck at a time.
Thirty-two-year-old Samukelisiwe Machi was born into a family of entrepreneurs, but she knew from a young age that she wanted to carry on her family’s legacy in business by starting her own establishment and not by taking over the family business.
“My parents ran their transport business for as long as I could remember, and I wanted a career in logistics because of their company,” said Samukelisiwe.
To realise her dream, the Lambton resident completed a qualification in business administration at university and started saving up enough money to buy her first truck.
“I registered my company in 2011, and decided on a name which would grab people’s attention in the industry seeing as it is a male-dominated industry with little to no women, more so black women,” said Samukelisiwe.
Woman Power Logistics officially began operations in road freight and warehousing in Driehoek, in 2015.
“I pride myself on the vast knowledge and experience I hold in road freight operations which is why I started my business but no one prepared me for the intimidation I would experience as a woman in this industry,” said Samukelisiwe.
“Men who have been in the industry for many years and hold big contracts in the industry have made meetings unpleasant for us as a start-up company owned by a woman.”
Feeling intimidated by successful men in logistics was a challenge Woman Power Logistics overcame quickly by providing reliable transport solutions with a hands-on approach and tailored services to suit each of their client’s needs.
“A good reputation is key in business. The little things like ensuring my drivers were neatly dressed, had basic manners and understanding of the trucks and rates we offered, scored us deals with the very clients who questioned our authenticity,” said Samukelisiwe.
After just four years in operation Woman Power Logistics employs nine people and owns five trucks.
The company renders break bulk and containerised cargo services, as well as export and import solutions to clients across South Africa and cross-border clients in neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
“It has been a tough four years in entrepreneurship,” said Samukelisiwe.
“I’ve learnt hard truths, one being that I am not a perfect wife, mother or businesswoman, but my passion to succeed in all I do gets me going, and presents me with the opportunity to try my best at all times.”
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
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