Businessman empowers himself through knowledge
He obtained a tour operation certificate from the University of South Africa and a diploma in logistic management from the University of Johannesburg.
A local businessman has proved that with the little that you have, you can make a difference and improve your life.
Mr Sibusiso Ngwenya from Barberton is making a name for himself in the tourism industry as an operator.
After he matriculated in 2010 he decided to start his own company, Simeleza Tours, which deals with transporting people, especially tourists around the province and as well as to Maputo and Swaziland.
“Tourism is very close to my heart, even at school I took it as one of my subjects. That is where I learned more about the opportunities available in this field. I decided to start my own company, specialising in tour guiding.
I transport people in minibuses, from Kruger International Airport to their destinations. Sometimes I convey them across the borders to Mozambique and Swaziland.
“I have not looked back since, as my business is continuing to grow day by day. The business does not only benefit me as an individual, but it also creates job opportunities for young people. I have to be hands-on at all times to ensure that we provide quality service. In the hospitality industry excellency attracts and retains clients,” he explained.
Ngwenya believes that in order to sustain his business, he needs to empower himself with knowledge.
He obtained a tour operation certificate from the University of South Africa and a diploma in logistic management from the University of Johannesburg. “I believe that knowledge is power. I decided to empower myself because even though you are your own boss, it is not easy to survive as there are a lot of challenges one is bound to face along the way.
It is important to be disciplined and to have knowledge on issues pertaining to financial management,” said Ngwenya.
He was the winner in the emerging entrepreneur of the year category at national level at the Lilizela Awards in 2015. This motivated him, and he learned never to limit himself.
“After I won at provincial level, I went to compete with eight people from other provinces and I came first. For me, that was a huge achievement.
These are some of the good memories that keep me going. Serving as a board member of the Barberton Community Tourism Forum in 2014/15 taught me how to interact with various people and at the same time remain humble,” Ngwenya concluded.
