A motivator and a mentor
Alx Burial Home owner Thabo Matjiane has not just created two
successful businesses for himself, he is actively mentoring other
small businesses in Alex...
Thabo Matjiane has been an entrepreneur since his school days. A
born and bred Alexandrian he used to sell snacks on the school buses.
From there he progressed to delivering building supplies with his
bakkie because after doing some research he realised that with the
sub-division of yards in Alex there was a lot of wall building
happening at that time.
In the course of this he started transporting a local plumber who
taught him the basics of plumbing.
Then a cousin invited Thabo to help him run his funeral parlour. He
gained experience in this field and eventually, using money from the
plumbing business, he bought into his cousin’s undertaking business.
However, when he registered the business he registered it as both
plumbing and a funeral parlour.
This diversity is important as it allowed him to keep cashflow even
if one business was quiet.
On the Alx Burial Home side, he now has a number of offices, the
current Marlboro South one bought with a loan from Business Partners.
A similar size one is in Rabie Ridge, Midrand and there is a small
office in Balfour Park.
The business employs ten permanent people including him and his wife.
Thabo came to The Business Place Alex in April 2007 and attended
several workshops and the Micro-MBA.
After this he changed his payroll strategy to ease cashflow problems.
Now the salary payments are spread out during the month.
In October 2007 he was invited to address the National TBP Conference
to share his story with the staff of all TBP branches.
He currently visits TBP Alex frequently as it allows him to network
with other business owners.
He realised during the workshops that many TBP clients were still
starting out and so he mentors less experienced clients and also helps
them network. This has been very motivational for them. Thabo is also
aware:
“Your business depends on your
networks”
Thabo would like TBP to assist him by providing access to advanced
business training, access to networks and exposure to more business
opportunities.
His story is particularly inspiring because as a successful small
business owner he is still committed to giving his time to supporting
other business owners. As he says:
“Without sharing nothing happens.”
Business details:
 Alx Burial Home
one stop shop for burials including catering and private functions.
Thabo Matjiane
Phone: 011 262 5715/6
Mobile: 082 451 0802
Email: thabopm@webmail.co.za
or
alxburialhome@fnbisp.co.za
Address: 28 2nd Street, Marlboro South.
Thabo was assisted by Busi Nhlapo, Wendy Shange and Dumi
Hlatshwayo of The Business Place Alexandra. His story was written by
Julie Machin following a site visit on 13 November 2007. |
