Province: KwaZulu Natal
District/Branch name: Downstream Aluminium Centre for Technology
Business Name: Cthembisimo (Pty) Ltd
Business type: Metal fabrication & welding
Background
Sikhumbuzo Mkhize is an entrepreneur who started the business called Cthembisimo (Pty) Ltd at Umhlathuze Reserve. The business started off welding steel and aluminum products such as gates and burglar guards and also includes maintenance services. The target market for the business was households, corporate and government departments and municipalities. He decided to partner up with Mr Frederick Adriaan Snyders who contributed immensely to Cthembisimo through product development and financial support. Frederick is responsible for the Administration of the business whilst Skhumbuzo is focused on the Operations of the business.
Some of the challenges faced by the business included a limited product portfolio, non-compliance with relevant institutions which resulted in him not being able to trade professionally, a limited workshop space since he was operating from home under a shelter and limited marketing skills resulting in him not getting clients. The business was stagnant with an inconsistent turnover that threatened its sustainability.
Intervention / Solution
Skhumbuzo was introduced to the DACT programme via one of the current incubatees (Musawenkosi Arc Wleding). Assessments and site visit were done on their business to see if they qualify to enter the DACT program. Skhumbuzo was officially incubated in November 2014. Since then, the business has been assisted with the development of his business through the following interventions:
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Scheduled workshops and trainings which included Marketing workshop, quality training, material and equipment supplier workshop, costing and pricing workshop, SARS workshop, BBBEE workshop, Department of Labor workshop and banks information sessions.
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Financial pack for maintaining records and operating formally
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Compliance assistance
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Marketing material to assist with marketing their business
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PPE (safety equipment) was issued to him
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Outcome/ Results
With the business being able to keep their financial records, it has become possible for the business to see progress regarding their operations and this is displayed in the sales graph below:
Cthembisimo is now leasing premises a warehouse in Unit 3 Prospecton Park 33-35, Joyner Road, Prospecton. The space of the premises is 263 square meters which will guarantee enough space for all projects to be completed and visibility.
Cthembisimo is now compliant with CIPC, SARS and has a BBBEE certificate. This has led to them securing tenders with SASSA Eshowe Local Office where a project of manufacturing and installing Aluminum blinds worth 21,758.54 was awarded to him. They have also secured a project worth R112, 665.47 on supplying Land rover aftermarket parts which will start in March 2017.
With the mentoring and coaching from DACT, Cthembisimo has developed and improved a product that is affordable for drivers ensuring the safety of their vehicles.
The marketing material has given identity to Cthembisimo and they are now able to personalize their company official documents like the quotation and invoice templates, the company letter head and emails they send to their clients.
QUOTE/ SMME’s comment
I deeply appreciate the support I’ve been receiving from DACT, I am at awe with the DACT program, I am where I am because of their support. Thank you
