Soldiers need the right weapons
“If you want to be a soldier, you need to carry the right weapons.”
This is the motto of Lesego Kuobane, general manager of Concentrate Carriers in Marikana near Rustenburg in North-West Province.
Lesego and his three colleagues - technical manager Tshepo Mogapi, operations manager Jacob Tshwagong and administration and safety manager Annah Sekhuthe – were part of a group that completed three levels of BSSA’s Core Programme in Mooinooi.
The courses were presented as part of a local supplier development programme launched in April 2009 by Lonmin Platinum and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to build wealth in the communities around Lonmin’s Marikana mines through contracting local businesses as suppliers to the company.
“We had replied to a Lonmin advertisement for a transportation service, and during the interview process heard about the BSSA courses,” says Lesego. “Participating in the BSSA programme definitely contributed to our being awarded our present five-year contract by Lonmin.”
To enhance the development of local skill and talent, Lonmin had decided to design and roll out joint ventures for local enterprises, and the foursome was paired up with Ecosse Tankers in Johannesburg.
The five tankers of Concentrate Carriers transport platinum concentrate from Lonmin’s processing plants to its smelting facility.
“Without completing the BSSA courses, we would not have been able to run our business. The financial and marketing aspects were the most valuable, since these form the core of any enterprise,” according to Lesego.
Annah says she enjoyed the bookkeeping course the most. “The programme as a whole boosted my self-confidence and showed me how to communicate with others.”
Lesego adds: “On a personal level, the courses taught me the GOYA principle: Get Off Your Armchair! One will never achieve anything unless you are prepared to get out there and do it.”
The four young entrepreneurs (they are all in their twenties) have also been able to motivate and assist other aspiring business owners in the greater Lonmin community. “The local villagers come to us for advice regarding their own businesses. Our company is now a role-model for others,” says Jacob.
They have big plans for the future. “We now employ four drivers and a general worker, but as our business grows, we hope to create more jobs. We want to target other mines in the area, and our vision is to become a household of transport,” he says.
