At its inception in 2003, Ekasi Graphics was what Limp describes as a ‘hand to mouth business’, a two-person venture for which Limp and co-founder Elvin Kungoane put everything at stake. According to Limp, everything changed when Ekasi Graphics scooped R1 million on entrepreneurial reality TV show, Rize Mzansi, in 2007, and today, the Sydenham-based signage company is going from strength to strength.
Ekasi Graphics, which prints and installs branding of just about every kind imaginable, from vehicle branding and billboards, to shop fronts and signboards, has a branch in Cape Town and is purchasing the building where its Johannesburg branch is based. The company employs over 60 people, owns a fleet of vehicles, and according to Limp, has an annual turnover of six to eight million Rand. Ekasi is even expanding beyond South Africa, with opportunities across the African continent, and while most businesses fade after five years, Ekasi is entering its 12th year stronger than ever.
For Limp, the secret is keeping things simple. He ascribes his success to his self-reliance, avoiding large loans or heavy investments, and keeping the emphasis firmly on his company’s strengths.
“It boils back to doing something you love… You can run the business you want as long as you’re focused,” he said.
When it comes to a growing workforce, meanwhile, the recipe for success is more emotional. Limp employs a number of young men who came to Ekasi with neither experience, nor qualifications. Imbued with a passion and wide-ranging knowledge of branding, he boasts that they can now compete with the best in the world business. Loyalty is the payoff – even for those who leave Ekasi. Limp does not believe in burning bridges, and maintains friendly relationships with both prior employees and his own ex-employer. What is more, every member of the Ekasi team, however junior, has a say in company decisions.
“We’re lucky to have the team of guys we have… They feel like it’s home,” said Limp.
With South Africa emerging as the ‘America of Africa’ in an industry that Limp and his team say can only grow, Ekasi Graphics seems set to continue its upward trajectory. Limp hopes he can inspire other young black entrepreneurs to follow in his profitable footsteps.
