Construction tycoon in the making

Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are a powerful tool in South Africa’s deteriorating economy.

There has never been a better time for business brains to move their business plans and ideas forward to reach financial freedom. SMMEs are not only for individual gain, as records prove that small and medium businesses contribute about 50 per cent of the country’s employment opportunities.

Having no start-up capital did not get in the way of 30-year-old Molefi Masukela, a local entrepreneur from Krugersdorp West who quit his respectable job to pursue a dream. He registered his business by using a business profile that he set up on the internet, and got into the construction industry. He wanted to emancipate himself from modern slavery, and of course, to work on Masukela Construction full-time, and he wants to work hard enough to manage early retirement at 35 and leave a legacy.

When asked why he got into this industry, he said, “Because construction never dies, it is continuity, buildings will always have to be renovated at some point; houses, shopping malls, halls, schools, hospitals, tertiary institutions and churches will always be built, so it is an inevitability.”

He does not have a mentor but learns from different people, taking a few pointers from them that will benefit him.

“What motivates me is my seven-year-old son; he is my drive, the fact that I want him to be in a better position,” said Molefi.

His vision is to strive to put the customers first, satisfy them and move the business ahead.

So far, the highlight of his journey has been presenting his business profile to one of the directors of a gigantic construction company and receiving positive feedback. The director was astounded by the level of his work and seeing it changed how they perceive a young SMME like him.

“The big dogs [reputable business owners with more experience] are a challenge, they take the whole cake and leave us with nothing. Yes, the platforms are there but there is no support. The government believes in people who have money – not SMMEs. Small businesses are not trusted and we suffer from a lack of security,” said Molefi, elaborating on the challenges he faces.

We often hear people saying they have ideas but do not know where to begin, but living in a time where we can access the internet and find out everything we need, this should not be an excuse.

“Don’t be lazy, get up and get information. You have to have a bank account, register at the South African Revenue Services (SARS), take your ID, residential address, and R695 to register at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) offices in Sunnypark in Pretoria – or you can simply register for yourself online,” advised Molefi.

He went on to say that getting funding as a young business owner is not easy, and that even when you apply it is a long process. He concluded by saying those who want to start their own businesses are usually stuck in their comfort zones.

“If you can lose everything and get it back through hard work, you are good to go. Don’t procrastinate, start now – not in 20 years’ time, because you don’t know how long you’ve got in this world. The greatest ideas are in graveyards because so many people, especially the ones who earned good salaries, died with them – so I pray to God to close the doors of comfort!”

Related articles:

7 tips to start your own small business

Why you should use SnapScan for your small business

Mogale creates opportunities for construction companies

How your small business can cope

Sona15 promises kept in Krugersdorp?