From insurance and sales to a sucessful logistics company
Sammy Mmotlana's Unit 7 Logistics is among the 10 community-owned truck companies contracted to transport Ore concentrate to a big mining company in Polokwane.
POLOKWANE – Six years ago, Sammy Mmotlana quit his full-time job as an insurance and sales adviser to pursue an entrepreneurial dream inspired by his father.
Mmotlana’s late father, Esssau, was a truck driver and although Mmotlana was too young to understand the message that sounded “unit 7, come in” when his father was called over the two-way radio, he knew his dad had an important job. Mmotlana took it upon himself to continue his father’s legacy in the truck business and started Unit 7 Logistics which is now among the 10 community-owned truck companies contracted to transport Ore concentrate to a big mining company in Polokwane.
He reflected on the time he just started out and had no logistics experience, capital, or the necessary documentation one requires in the supply chain industry.
He joined a development programme to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to manage contracts while he received financial assistance from his sister to obtain his certifications.
“I received mentorship and support and gained invaluable knowledge and experience from Zimele Enterprise Development Programme. I became a transport supplier and started with two trucks.”
To Mmotlana it felt as if his career took off when his company was shortlisted out of 179 companies that applied for a transportation tender to move Ore concentrate in 2021, and added that he tries to employ local residents in his company. “Knowing that I help my employees put food on their families’ and their own tables is priceless. I believe the more we support each other, the better our businesses will grow and flourish so that our communities can grow and flourish with us,” he explained.
Mmotlana has grown Unit 7 Logistics to the point where they now operate with six trucks. He is proud to mention that he employed 28 people and aims to hire more local unemployed people as they continue to grow from strength to strength.
“The logistics and supply chain industry is not easy. I hardly sleep as a company owner as I do not have a manager yet. When trucks break down, I attend to everything myself, but it is worth the hard work and effort,” Mmotlana concluded.
