From village beginnings to entrepreneurship: a journey of endless possibilities
Lola Masemola
In the heart of Ga-Marishane, Sekhukhune, our small village, where dusty roads intersect and the sun casts long shadows, I discovered the seeds of entrepreneurship
These seeds were sown by the resilient hands of my family members ordinary people who carved extraordinary paths
Their stories, etched into my memory, would shape my journey from a dusty village to the bustling world of business
Grandfather’s legacy: Bopedi Bapedi High School
My grandfather, a man of vision and determination, stood as the village s first graduate
His footsteps echoed through the red earth as he founded Bopedi Bapedi High School
With its modest classrooms and boarding facilities, it became a sanctuary for knowledge seekers
The walls whispered tales of dreams realised, futures rewritten, and the promise of education
I watched as pupils, wideeyed and eager, stepped into those halls the same halls my grandfather had built with unwavering resolve
Ga-Luka General Dealer: A hub of commerce
Ga-Luka, the heartbeat of our community, thrived under my grand-aunt s stewardship
Its wooden shelves sagged under the weight of essen-
tials flour, soap, and dreams packaged in colourful wrappers
As children, my cousins and I became unofficial apprentices, our hands sticky from counting coins and our laughter echoing through the narrow aisles
We sold my grandmother s sugar cane to buy sweets
Ga-Luka taught me the art of negotiation, the rhythm of
supply and demand, and the warmth of community commerce
Grandma’s dual roles: Healthcare worker and entrepreneur
My grandmother wore two hats one as a professional healthcare worker and the other as a farmer
Her days began with healing hands, tending to the sick and weary But when the sun
dipped low, she transformed
The soil welcomed her calloused fingers and she coaxed life from the earth
Blankets, neatly folded, adorned her makeshift stall Pensioners shuffled over, their eyes crinkling with gratitude
She understood the delicate balance between healing bodies and nurturing livelihoods
Her resilience fuelled my curiosity could one person be both a healer and an entrepreneur?
Skopas and onesies
In Johannesburg, a city of contrasts, my high school years unfolded Amid manicured lawns and ivy-covered walls, I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit
A business studies project led my best friend and I to create skopas, colourful popcorn with a sweet taste
Our classmates devoured it, and we were sold-out in minutes And then, fuelled by audacity, we dreamt of fashion onesies for adults a whimsical fusion of comfort and style
Before the onesie trend swept the world, we envisioned it Our parents listened, amused, but the fire within us burned bright
Franchise dreams and lessons
The petroleum industry beckoned a world of fuel pumps, engine hums and calculated risks
My friends and I secured approval from Total, our franchise dreams were close
But life s currents shifted, and we veered away Yet, the lessons endured
The franchise model, predictable yet demanding, revealed its secrets Adaptability, strategic choices and the courage to pivot these became my compass
The Nando’s connection
Nando s, quintessentially
South African, remains an aspirational brand across all consumer segments
Even as an entrepreneur, the dream of owning a Nando s franchise was massively ambitious
But my drive and persistence carried me until I finally acquired my first Nando s restaurant
What I love about my journey with Nando s is that I didn t have any special networks or connections I knocked on their door just like any other aspiring entrepreneur
Through relentless communication via emails and calls, I courted this hot brand
It was during the uncertainty of lockdown when the world had come to a halt, that I persisted
People thought I was insane to invest in the restaurant industry at that time, but sometimes insanity leads to remarkable opportunities
Lessons for aspiring franchisees
Prioritise people: Understand that your customers and staff are the lifeblood of your business
Treat them with respect, empower your team, and cre-
ate an environment where excellence thrives
Reinvest and sacrifice: Be willing to reinvest in your business
Sacrifices are inevitable on the road to success but remember they often lead to greater rewards than anticipated
Stay humble and transparent: Never forget the privilege of your opportunity and remain humble in your interactions
Transparency with your franchiser fosters a genuine relationship built on trust
Respect time: Value the time of others, whether it s your customers, staff or franchiser
Time is a precious commodity that should be respected and utilised wisely
Surround yourself with excellence: As the saying goes: If you are the smartest person in the room, find another room where you aren t
Surround yourself with intelligent, motivated individuals who inspire you to grow and learn
In the world of entrepreneurship, every journey is unique, but certain principles stand the test of time
From the dusty streets of my village to the bustling avenues of business, these lessons have been my guiding light
Aspiring franchisees heed these words, for they hold the keys to unlocking endless possibilities in your entrepreneurial pursuits
FRANCHISE SUCCESS: Lola Masemola and her Nando’s team
● Sanri Engelebrecht on balancing leadership and passion
Insights from CCBSA’s Nelson Mandela Bay district manager
In the dynamic world of business leadership, few embody the spirit of dedication and innovation like Sanri Engelebrecht
As Coca-Cola Beverages SA s (CCBSA) district manager for the Nelson Mandela Bay coastal region, her role is not only pivotal in driving the company s success but also in shaping the future of leadership within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry
With nearly two decades of experience under her belt, she has become a beacon of inspiration, blending her professional prowess with a deep commitment to personal growth and community service
In this interview, she shares about her approach to leadership, and the strategies that have defined her career
Q: Who is Sanri outside work?
A: Outside work, Sanri is an outdoor lover
I absolutely love training and participate in triathlons and any challenge that gets me outside my workspace
Whether it’s mountain biking or swimming in the ocean, I’m all in
I also love spending time in nature it’s really good for me
I make time every day for it Additionally, I serve in my local church as a homecell leader
I’m a kingdom builder, so that’s a big part of who I am
Q: What are your main responsibilities in your current role?
A: In my current role, you can come to me for chasing our targets and achieving our goals relentlessly
My team and I are very passionate about all our brands and our business
We focus on developing people, especially women in the workplace, but really, anyone with talent and passion excites me
Q: Let’s dive a bit deeper into your typical day as a district manager What does that look like?
A: Well, it’s all about the customer
It’s about refreshing SA every day, growing our market share, and hitting our revenue targets
To achieve this, we need to be customer-centric having the right stock, delivering it on time, and ensuring it’s complete
Also, having a highlycharged and commercial team that understands the strategy and executes it is crucial
That’s the winning recipe
Q: What are some of your career achievements you are most proud of ?
A: I’ve been in the business for almost 18 years, so there’s quite a bit to highlight
One of my proudest achievements is the successful launch of the 2l returnable plastic bottle in my territory
We made our core flavours accessible to everyone at an affordable price
Another highlight was when my team in the north region won the Execution Excellence Cup
But what I’m most proud of is seeing people grow in their careers
For example, seeing someone start as a pre-seller merchandiser and now being a sales manager that’s a true achievement for me
Q: How do you overcome challenges in the workplace,
especially as a woman in a traditionally maledominated industry?
A: For me, it’s about being authentically myself
I’ve always believed you should be true to who you are, regardless of the environment
Focus on delivering results as a team rather than worrying about being the only woman at the table
It’s about energy and engagement, not about fitting into a stereotype
Everyone is equal in spirit and ability
Q: Have you experienced any setbacks in your career, and how did you navigate through them?
A: I wouldn’t call them setbacks but rather challenging times
For instance, during Covid-19, the economy was under pressure, and business was not as usual
My approach was to focus on what we do well and tackle gaps one by one
It’s crucial to keep a positive mindset, speak life into
challenges, and maintain faith in what we do
Q: What inspires or motivates you to keep doing your work?
A: It’s definitely the people
Seeing how we uplift individuals and impact their families and communities is incredibly motivating
It’s about making a difference with our powerful brand and programmes
Q: What does success look like for you, and what are your long-term goals?
A: Success, for me, is enjoying what you do every day and finding joy in achieving your goals, whether short-term or long-term
The journey towards those goals is where true success lies
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would you wish for?
A: I would wish for the superpower for every woman to see her own superpower within herself
Every woman already has
that superpower; it’s about recognising it
Q: What is a talent of yours that you’re most proud of or grateful for?
A: I’m most proud of my endless energy
It’s something I’m very grateful for, as it helps me keep going when others might falter
My energy comes from the good Lord, and I’m thankful for the ability to channel it into my work and others
Q: What’s your favourite Coca-Cola brand?
A: My favourite is Valpré Sparkling Water in a glass bottle
It’s a bit fancy, but I really enjoy it
Q: What does a growth mindset mean to you?
A: A growth mindset means there’s no limit
It should excite you and challenge you
It’s about waking up eager to tackle new goals and taking people with you on that journey
Q: How does Coca-Cola Beverages SA support women empowerment and diversity in the workplace?
A: Coca-Cola Beverages SA supports women empowerment by being family-friendly and offering great training programmes
There’s room for everyone, regardless of their personal circumstances
We have diverse roles filled by women, and the focus is on passion and willingness rather than on stereotypes
Q: Lastly, do you have any advice for young women aspiring to advance in their careers in the FMCG industry?
A: My advice is to be unapologetically yourself
Step boldly into your role and follow where your passion and energy lead you
Listen to advice from others, but also trust your instincts Success comes from doing what you’re passionate about and making a positive impact on others
SUPERWOMAN: Whether climbing rocks in caves, cycling through the countryside or attending corporate events, Sanri Engelebrecht always tackles it with great energy
Monique Cooper Attorneys offers pro legal services with vision to empower
Monique Cooper is the founder and director of Monique Cooper Attorneys, which was registered in 2020, a few weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic
Before starting her own firm, Cooper worked for various reputable firms, gaining invaluable experience
However, she realised that her purpose was to uplift and inspire women from all walks of life
The 35-year-old’s vision is to make a difference, where women are seen as equally bold in the cutthroat industry, where she specialises in a field of law that is 90% maledominated
Monique Cooper Attorneys Inc is a 100% black women owned (BWO), level 1 BBB-EE company
Monique employs five women, including a candidate attorney, office manager, admitted attorney and personal assistant
“A large part of our core values is to give back to our community
“We started an initiative, #cultivating gratitude, in 2021 and initiate several charitable drives throughout the year
“The goal of our events includes raising awareness around genderbased violence, assisting underprivileged children with school necessities and restoring dignity to young females,” Cooper said
In addition to running a law firm, Cooper is a mother, wife, part-time law lecturer, recent postgraduate in labour law and is currently pursuing her master’s in labour law
The firm offers the following services: Labour and employment law, family law, civil litigation, domestic violence legal assistance, property transfers, deceased estates and estate planning, military law and criminal law
A large part of our core values is to give back to our community. The goal of our events includes raising awareness around gender-based violence, assisting underprivileged children with school necessities and restoring dignity to young females’
Monique Cooper Attorneys was established to create a platform to empower women, and is structured in a way that allows women to be women
We work hard together, we laugh hard together and we family hard together, Cooper said
At Monique Cooper Attorneys, we are motivated by purpose and carried by faith
At the root of all the decisions we make, we remember that God is the foundation
For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you [Matthew 17:20-21]
Visit Monique Cooper Attorneys website: https://www moniquecooperattorneys co za / Phone: 041-110-1095
Email: monique@moniquecooperattorneys co za IN CHARGE:Monique
Cooper, of Monique Cooper Attorneys, is ready to help with your legal concerns
W Langson and Associates remain at forefront
As South Africans commemorate Women’s Day, W Langson and Associates stands as a beacon of empowerment, progress, and community support
Established in late 2012, this dynamic law firm, led by Wilma Langson, has become a pillar of strength for women both within and outside the legal profession
W Langson and Associates is more than a law firm; it is a community of dedicated, driven, and goal-orientated women who have shown remarkable growth and resilience
Under the guidance of Langson, the firm has cultivated a work environment where female empowerment is not just a goal but a lived reality
Most of the firm’s departments are headed by women, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to
the table These women are not only strong and knowledgeable but are also committed to the continuous development of their skills, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their field
The firm’s commitment to empowering women extends beyond its walls
W Langson and Associates is deeply involved in community initiatives, particularly those focused on genderbased violence and supporting women through difficult life transitions such as divorce
The firm’s charitable efforts and support for local businesses reflect its belief in the power of community and the importance of giving back
Recently, W Langson and Associates hosted a successful workshop for their clients and counsel, exemplifying how well the firm’s team col-
laborates to achieve their goals
This was not just about sharing legal expertise but also about reinforcing the firm’s commitment to client care and professional excellence
Langson is a positive role model for all the women at the firm, continually striving to uplift and upskill every team member
Her leadership is characterised by a dedication to creating opportunities for growth and fostering an environment where women can thrive professionally and personally
As we celebrate Women’s month, W Langson and Associates reminds us of the strength and resilience of women, and their crucial role in shaping a more just and equitable society
The firm’s ongoing efforts to empower women, support
Cape Recife High School shines under Maritz’s leadership
In a male-dominated landscape, women have continuously driven transformative change in education, breaking societal norms and making education accessible to all
This is the testament of Erica Maritz, the first female principal of Cape Recife High School in its 65-year history
Since stepping into the role in 2022, Maritz has made an indelible mark on the school, turning it into one of the top-performing institutions in the province
Under her leadership, Cape Recife High School has not on-
ly excelled in its academic achievements but also embraced an inclusive and collaborative approach that has become a model for other schools Maritz s philosophy is simple yet profound I think I m a type of person that can get along with people very easily, she said I have a heart like a taxi there s always room for more I love our pupils and see each one as an individual who has climbed into my heart
Even the most challenging pupils are the ones that need the most embrace
Cape Recife High School’s success under Maritz’s leadership was recently recognised at the 2024 MSC Excellence Awards
The school received two
top awards: best performing FET special school and best performing GET special school for special education
These accolades were accompanied by a substantial cash prize of R250,000, which the school used to purchase a much-needed vehicle
I ve never held such a big cheque before, she said It was a huge achievement for us, and the vehicle will greatly enhance our outreach and support efforts
The school has also become a resource hub for the district, providing its facilities
for district-wide matric interventions and winter school camps for other special schools We re quite isolated in this area, so having the vehicle and being able to share our resources is incredibly valuable
Maritz s leadership is marked by a commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity Her goal is to elevate the academic standards of the school, ensuring that pupils with barriers to learning have equal opportunities for tertiary education Lifting academic achievement and
closing the gaps for our pupils is a priority, she said
Being nominated for such an achievement is humbling It s not just about me; it s about the teamwork and everyone’s dedication ”
Cape Recife High School’s journey under Maritz is a testament to the power of inclusive leadership and the impact it can have on transforming educational institutions
As she continues to lead with passion and dedication, Maritz remains a beacon of progress in the realm of education
WOMAN POWER: The women staff members of W Langson and Associates
ERICA MARITZ
Radhiant
’s mobile mammography units now nationwide
Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging
is making significant strides in the fight against breast cancer in South Africa Established in March last year in East London the company’s state-ofthe-art mobile mammography units have been on the move bringing vital breast cancer screening services to women across the country
With a commitment to accessibility and early detection these units have now expanded their reach to all nine
provinces screening nearly 5 000 women to date
Bringing the service to those in need
The mobile units are strategically deployed to areas where women have limited or no access to mammography services
By bringing this essential service directly to their communities Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging eliminates the barriers of distance and time that
often prevent women from getting screened
The convenience offered by these mobile units means that women no longer need to travel long distances or take time off from their everyday duties to receive a potentially life-saving mammogram
A dedicated team of experts
Each mobile unit is staffed with a team of highly trained
and professional staff who are dedicated to providing top-quality care These professionals use the latest imaging technology to ensure that the screenings are accurate and effective giving patients the best possible chance at early detection
The expansion of Radhiant’s services to all nine provinces marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to make breast cancer screening more accessible
to every woman in South Africa
The nearly 5 000 screenings conducted so far demonstrate the impact that these mobile units are having in communities across the nation
As Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging continues to expand its reach more women will have the opportunity to receive the care they need without the burden of travel or disruption to their daily lives
This initiative not only empowers women to take charge of their health but also plays a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer ultimately saving lives
Contact information: For more information about Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging’s mobile mammography services please visit the website [www rdisa co za] or contact [087 077 000]
Empow-Her-ing excellence
● FM Solutions Technical’s all-women team revolutionises facilities management
In the world of facilities management (FM), where technical expertise and reliability are paramount, FM Solutions Technical is once again emerging as a trailblazing player, setting a new standard for diversity and competence in the industry
With an exciting new offering that boasts an allwomen team in FM maintenance, FM Solutions is challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to excel in the realm of facilities management
“Facilities management comprises a wide range of services and duties that are critical to the smooth and efficient operation of any business or organisation,” Lydia Hendricks, director at FM Solutions, says
“It includes everything from physical asset maintenance and repair, such as HVAC [heating, ventilation, and air conditioning] systems, plumbing and drainage, and electrical reticulation, to administrative activities such as project management, space allocation, and health and safety compliance
“In essence, FM guarantees that an organisation’s physical environment is conducive to its aims and objectives
“Facilities management is concerned with making assets and infrastructure perform efficiently and cost-effectively as well as creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone who visit the area
“In this context FM Solutions Technical is establishing a reputation as a leader in the industry by forming an allwomen maintenance team challenging the historically
male-dominated FM space,” Hendricks said Zaahir Forbes, director at FM Solutions Technical, confirms this statement, saying:
“FM Solutions Technical has a well-earned reputation for being a results-driven organisation, with a commitment to performance excellence with every job at hand, and the ability to think creatively whenever obstacles are encountered
“This ground-breakingmove further emphasises our company’s commitment to performance excellence creative problem-solving and diversity ” Though the use of technology has in recent years greatly impacted the field of facilities management Zaahir emphasises the enduring importance of a personal touch
“This all-women technical team is not merely breaking barriers; they are proving that competence and excellence know no gender “Their technical expertise coupled with their ability to multitask and address sensitive areas has enriched FM Solutions Technical and empowered a new generation of women in technical roles ”
Brendon Nortjé key account manager at FM Solutions Technical underscores the exceptional qualifications and performance of the fe-
male technicians, stating that the decision to hire each one of the female team members was solely based on merit “ E a c h m
Their story is a testament to the power of diversity, competence and relentless pursuit of excellence setting a shining example for the industry and beyond
handedly challenged and changed the industry for the better
“As they continue to excel and deliver superior results, our “girl power” team is proving that diversity and competence go hand in hand
“From initial call logging to plumbing HVAC and electrical maintenance and procurement these women know how to tackle every problem that comes their way
“Their presence has positively influenced their areas of work and responsibility but also provides us with a competitive edge especially in sensitive areas like female dormitories and restrooms
S o l ut i ons Te c h n i ca l’ s a l l - wo m e n tea m i s not j ust
“I think the facilities management sector is at a turning point right now ” Hendricks said
“In addition to changing the dynamics of our workplace these women’s diversity of abilities and dedication to excellence have empowered more women to assume technical roles that have historically been associated with the appointment of a male counterpart
“They have also single-
“In a world where gender should never be a barrier to achievement, they are setting a shining example for the facilities management industry and beyond
“ This is true empowe
For more information about FM Solutions and their facilities management services please visit their website at www fm-solutions
NHI Bill highlights crucial role of maintenance in healthcare facilities
tems delivering high-quality taxpayer-funded health services to less fortunate communities serves as a testament to what can be achieved
Amid fears that this bill could precipitate a mass exodus of healthcare professionals and potentially threaten the stability of the healthcare system there is a renewed focus on ensuring that healthcare facilities are well-maintained and fully functional to provide dignified and efficient healthcare to all South Africans
In the Western Cape the implementation of worldclass public healthcare sys-
The success of these public hospitals run in partnership with private sector entities such as FM Solutions highlights the importance of leveraging the expertise of doctors and nurses alongside top-tier facilities management
“Globally hospitals are increasingly recognising the critical importance of maintaining fully functioning healthcare facilities ” Lydia Hendricks a director at FM Solutions says
As demands on public and private hospitals and clinics continue to rise the necessity of keeping public infrastructure fully functional and compliant with occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations cannot be overstated
Traditionally hospitals managed these needs with in-house teams but progressive local and international institutions are now outsourcing these services to access infrastructure best practice operational flexibility and efficiency
Facilities management in health care covers a broad spectrum of services including the reliability of critical life support systems and building
infrastructure through 24/7 technical monitoring and technical maintenance interventions improving workflow and streamlining daily operations
Facilities management also includes vital soft services such as catering cleaning hygiene and sanitation laundry and garden maintenance
Since its inception in 2000 FM Solutions has been providing facilities support and management across various industries
In 2014 the company assisted the Eastern Cape department of health with conditions audits maintenance solutions and SMME development initiatives at 343 provin-
cial medical facilities
Sadly these medical facilities are now in such a poor state of disrepair that it will require massive capital injections to make them compliant to NHI standards
In the meanwhile reactive maintenance costs escalate daily to keep the doors open to service communities desperately needing health care
“Public hospitals have significant legal challenges in adhering to laws including the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Government’s Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA) ” Hendricks said FM Solutions manages crit-
ical support services including cleaning landscaping catering laundry hygiene and sanitation and handyman services at in- and outpatient hospitals An on-site help desk supported by advanced technology ensures that service requests are logged and addressed promptly 24/7
Technology tracks and manages tasks providing clients with detailed monthly reports on job status costs and efficiency thereby prolonging the lifecycle of assets and ensuring reliability This data informs strategic sourcing and effective operations management and planning minimises disruptions and prevents futile expenditure
PERFECT SOLUTION: The women in the FM Solutions Technical team, from left, Melisa Gagu, Cindy Hector, Tarrin Lynch, Nazette Bost, Lydia Hendricks, Akhona Mabongo, Devlyn Henry, Riziah Ganief and Nonduduzo Melody Zindela (absent: Zola Mabanga)
DON’T GET LEFT IN THE DARK!
PREPAID ELECTRICITY METERS MUST BE UPDATED
The Electricity & Energy Directorate will be kicking off the second phase of the Token Identifier (TID) rollout programme to reset prepaid meters. Prepaid electricity meters must be updated, or you will not be able to recharge your meter with new tokens and will be without electricity supply. Officials from Electricity & Energy will be visiting your home to reset your meter.
All meters are able to be “key-changed” before 24 November 2024.
Failure to do so will result in paying for the replacement cost of your meter, which ranges between
For more information, please contact 041 506 5595.
