Tembisa entrepreneur grabs top award
MIDRAND - Lumka Mphande, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Tembisa, was recently named top entrepreneur by Vusi Thembekwayo and Three Ships Whisky.
Mphande was one of five finalists who were put to the test at James Sedgwick Distillery as they presented their business plans to Thembekwayo and Three Ships master distiller, Andy Watts.
Competitors in the nationwide contest could register their business ideas on the whisky manufacturer’s website.
The young entrepreneur’s prize included an all-expenses-paid mentorship with Thembekwayo, one of South Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs and one of the world’s most highly ranked motivational speakers. Mphande also received a R100 000 capital injection to boost his business.
He is a call centre supervisor who started Bumka Scooter Rentals as a side business. The young entrepreneur rents out four 125CC motorbikes to businesses such as Debonairs and sandwich shops within a 12km radius of Tembisa.
“I bought my first motorbike to save on travelling costs. With many businesses utilising motorbikes for deliveries, I saw a gap in the market to rent out a few scooters and motorbikes to service the area of Tembisa. My ultimate dream is to offer my hometown, KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga, such a service as the township doesn’t enjoy the same benefits as most of those in Gauteng,” said Mphande.
He said that he had sacrificed certain luxuries in order to finance his business. “I have had to make many sacrifices to make it this far. I rent a very small room in an effort to save as much money as I can to plough back into my business. I paid cash for all my motorbikes by maintaining a very simple lifestyle. Many entrepreneurs in South Africa are too afraid to take calculated risks. I believe that with the right attitude, sacrifice and belief in yourself, you can reach [your highest potential],” said Mphande.
He aims to use the R100 000 to help him realise his goal of owning 200 motorbikes, delivering online orders and small packages nationwide.
Details: www.threeshipswhisky.co.za/age
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