Transport man, Tebogo on his hustle and building an empire
When Tebogo Eugene Mokoena left a career in the banking industry, he had his eyes set on one goal: to build an empire.
POLOKWANE – Tebogo Eugene Mokoena left a career in the banking industry, he had his eyes set on one goal: to build an empire. Mokoena who hails from Westenburg, is the owner of TS Tours and lives by the motto “vuka, ugeze bese ubangene”, which loosely translates as ‘wake-up, bath and hustle’.
He joined the transport business in 2013 while still working at a bank, only to decide later on he wanted to pursue his business full-time.
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“I took advantage of the fact that I am known. I used to work at a bank for 12 years and I knew many people from Polokwane at different levels. From CEO’s to general workers,” he said.
He has two buses he uses to provide the service of tours. When he started, he used social media to advertise his business and he created traction.
“By 2018, it was a fully-fledged, up and running business. You see, a business is valued or weighed through profitability and revenue. I think it’s doing good and we will go far,” he said.
His tours are more than just a tour, rather a journey with family and friends. He also tries to personalise every experience for his clients through photos. These go onto the company’s page where people can also add their own to create and share memories, so they are never forgotten. His future plan is to create a legacy, which will sustain his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren long after he is not around.
He services Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng and says he hasn’t yet encountered major problems.
However, adds it does become challenging when his cars and buses are booked and he still has clients wanting his services. He says to have two more buses would make his life easier. He employs three people on a permanent basis and does the driving whenever he is available to do so.
“If I’m not there, I have professional drivers who go the extra mile to make sure our clients receive the best service and put their safety first,” he said.
His message to aspiring entrepreneurs is to ask.
“Asking is the best thing you can do, you have nothing to lose. Have the courage and be focused and determined. I remember after resigning from work, I approached one businessman for sympathy, but he wasn’t sympathetic. He told me straight, man to man that I should focus and have the vision to see the bigger picture even when there are storms,” he advised.
