Joel Makgeta | Makgeta Construction and Projects (Pty) Ltd

Joel Makgeta | Makgeta Construction and Projects (Pty) Ltd

Programme sponsor: Vergenoeg Mining Company

“I no longer believe in failure as I see every setback as a learning curve”

Joel Makgeta started Makgeta Constuction and Projects in 2017. He dreamed of owning his own business so that he could provide for his family and leave a legacy for his children.  He also wanted to take it beyond that. “I wanted to fight poverty and unemployment in my community through the creation of employment opportunities,” he says.  

When he started his business, his focus was on construction maintenance. The biggest problem he faced was finding the capital for the work he was receiving. “People did not believe I could make this work, but I had to prove them wrong,” he says stoically. In 2020, Joel was selected for a business-development programme sponsored by Vergenoeg Mining Company and powered by Raizcorp.   

Hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, Joel went for months without an income. “The Vergenoeg programme taught me that I must not rely on one client or one source of income. They gave me the courage to go beyond my construction business,” he says. Joel decided to start a poultry business as well. “Personal challenges affected my profitability, but the knowledge I gained from the programme was invaluable. I feel more confident in myself as an entrepreneur and I can build any business that I put my mind to,” he says.  

His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “When you go into business you need to be fearless and patient. Do what you love and follow your passion so that you can wake up every day feeling inspired.” 

In a heartfelt message to his sponsor Joel says, “Thank you Vergenoeg for opening my eyes and stretching my mind. You taught me that I need to sell every day to grow my business and because of that, I knock on doors daily. I didn’t see the need for that before the programme. I no longer believe in failure as I see every setback as a learning curve. Thank you for trusting in me and seeing the need to develop me as an entrepreneur.”