POLOKWANE – Phatedi is the founder of Lebophele Lifestyle Aluminium and Glass Experts, which is situated at 19 Staal Street in Ladanna, a company that specialises in the manufacture of aluminium doors and windows among other aluminium products.
He completed an N6 electrical engineering certificate at the Capricorn TVET College which started him on his path to become an entrepreneur, when he began working with aluminium in 2014 as a source of income after he resigned from a smelting company in Limpopo.
The father of four said he is blessed to be able to provide for his wife, Salome, and four children Lesedi (10), Phenyo (9), Bohlale (7) and Lethabo (3) with his business.
“I worked as a technician at a smelting company for seven years before I decided to strike out on my own. I want to help grow the South African economy and help to create employment. Even though I have a passion for working with aluminium and having my own business, running an aluminium company is not easy and requires patience and passion. It is important to set goals for yourself and for your business and to pace yourself. Even successful and happy people set measurable goals for themselves,” said Phatedi.
“I am proud my family does not have to go to bed hungry and I am proud to have created work for six permanent employees. I am never faced with any challenges because when I work, I work with pride and my customers do not give me any difficulties. I wish to see more people using their God-given talents just as I use my talent for working with my hands. God gave me a talent so I must use it and not wait for government to do everything for me,” he added.
He told BONUS his clients are from the private sector, households, schools and government. “I would love to see my business become a franchise and I want to distribute aluminium globally. I am glad all my kids are getting a quality education from the money I generate. My big goal is to create an aluminium company that will cater to every individual.”
He encouraged young people who struggle to find employment to stand up and do something for themselves.
“Even if you are qualified, you can’t just sit back and wait for the government to employ you. The only way to improve our lives is to work hard. To own this kind of business needs strong vision. Don’t rely on the government, if you have the chance to create work, then do it. Government cannot employ us all and we need to do something for ourselves to create jobs,” he concluded.
