Why choose entrepreneurship over an office job? It gives sincere pleasure to not only work for the betterment of your life but also that of others. There is no prize to starting a business that helps improve your community or society in general. There is pride and fulfillment in that. The ability to witness your own personal achievements over a period of time is also an incredible feeling.
3 things entrepreneurs should equip themselves with to be successful? Education-arming yourself with knowledge becomes very important when one wants to pursue a business passion. Growing or sustaining a business is not easy at all and the more prepared you are the better. Ambition-you must have the will to want to achieve success. You must cultivate a fighting spirit. Confidence-you must believe in your capabilities and learn to eradicate your inferiority complex. Constantly remind yourself that you are put on this earth to achieve your purpose. Choose your path (business), understand your purpose in that path and devote all your potential towards making your path an incredible success. That is what makes a great man.
Do you believe government is effective in creating an enabling environment for small business? Government is doing a fair job. I would have loved to see Government create a bank with specific attention to small business. Many young aspirant entrepreneurs are limited to grand opportunities due to lack of financial collateral when seeking funding to support their business initiatives. Perhaps we need an institution with a venture capitalist model. One that can mentor, fund and invest in small promising enterprises. There is a lot of educating required for start-up owners. Financial management is a key area. Small business owners need to understand habits of creating wealth. We also need to learn to expose our communities to better role models. Not the usual Township prima donna’s who drive fancy cars and claim success.
What do you find particularly interesting with regards to doing business in Township? We live in a changing world were the consumer is king. We must remember that the consumer does not owe us anything. Now the Township consumer has become very attractive over the last couple of years. With all kinds of corporate and individuals taking advantage of opportunities in the township. We should never wallow in complaints over this. If we do not learn to satisfy the consumer, we will loose the very same business opportunities we feel ‘entitled’ to. There are many opportunities still. We must understand the value of Townships. We must always see Township as an asset and once we do that we will realize the opportunities that exist within.
Through out your years of business practice what is that one personality trait that you believe has worked best for you? Perseverance. Having a fighting heart to see our business intentions come to fruition. It is an important characteristic to be confident in your business and to never give up in seeking partnerships that will eventually strengthen your operation.
Onto lighter questions. What is the one thing that is misunderstood about Dr. Maponya? I’m not sure maybe others can give better testimony of my personality. I am not that self-conscious I suppose (laughs). I would like to believe that I am a generous individual at least to my friends/colleagues and employees. I guess I come across intimidating to many who might not know me. But that’s the mark of a strong businessman. Those that know me well know that I am respectful, understanding and human like anyone else is.
What do you love most about Soweto? I love the people of Soweto. They have made me the person that I am today. When are you at your most happiest? I am most happy when I am with my family and grand kids. I must admit I am also happy when I’m working, that is when I am at my best and I suppose it also keeps me young at heart.
The one thing you could change about our country? We’ve done much as Government. There isn’t a political organization that has done nearly as much for its people as the ANC has done. We need a bit more effort in making sure Economic Freedom is transferred into the hands of our ordinary citizens. Until we have sufficient control of our economy, we are not yet fully liberated.
Future plans for the Maponya brand? Expand the retail and property brand across the country and hopefully into parts of Africa. To fully exploit the poultry farming industry and to venture into other exciting areas of business.
AUTHOR: KASIBIZ MAHALA
