Kabelo Sebothoma | K Auto Shop Mechanics
Programme sponsor: Vergenoeg Mining Company
“I have the right mindset to be an entrepreneur – where others might not see anything, I can see a business opportunity.”
I didn’t initially plan to become an entrepreneur. When I completed my qualification as a diesel mechanic, I started looking for a job. When I couldn’t find one, I realised I could “become the job” and start my own business.
I started K Auto Shop Mechanics on 28 September 2021 in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, offering automotive and engine repairs. It’s been a tough journey, but as the saying goes, “Hands wash each other,” and through the support of family members, I have been able to keep going.
One of the hard things is that there hasn’t been an entrepreneur before me in my family, so I haven’t had anyone to guide me through firsthand experience. But, as I’ve made my way, I’ve learned how to do things and I’ve realised that I have the right mindset to be an entrepreneur – where others might not see anything, I can see a business opportunity.
Becoming a “parent”
I think the biggest shift in my mind came when I realised that as I become an employer, I almost become a parent to my staff because I take on responsibility for being the breadwinner and being able to pay them their wages. When you’re an entrepreneur, it’s no longer just about you – it’s about being able to take care of your employees too. If I don’t bring in enough money to pay someone, that might mean that person can’t pay school fees. I believe that doing the right thing is what will help to make the business run smoothly.
The benefits of adopting systems
One day, I was sitting in the parking lot at the mall, browsing Facebook, and I came across an advert for a Raizcorp programme. I knew the company from watching Business Day TV, and I thought, “You know what, let me take a chance and apply.”
Five days later, I got a call from someone at Raizcorp to explain the programme to me, and then I was accepted into the Initial Market Access programme, sponsored by Vergenoeg Mining Company.
I think one of the biggest things I have learned from the programme is the value of implementing systems and processes in my business. I’ve now got a system for how I run jobs and close them out, for example. Instead of just picking up a job when a customer arrives (which meant I would stop working on the job I’d been busy with), I now have a system for which jobs get done, when. This also ensures my tools don’t go missing, and I’m working on a system to improve that too, so I always know exactly where each tool is. I also have a system to record customers and jobs, so I can see which customers are repeat clients.
Learning about systems has really focused my mind and made me think about how I can set the business up so that it runs even if I’m not there. I haven’t perfected all my systems and processes yet, but I am working on them constantly.
The other big benefit of the programme has been in terms of personal growth. I have realised with help from my guides that the first step in getting something done is to convince your brain that you’re going to do it. Once you believe you’ll do something, you will do whatever you need to do to make it happen. I’ve learned so much about myself and about the psychology of entrepreneurship.
Major milestones
One of the things I’m most proud of achieving in the business is being able to purchase property and beginning to erect my own structure. Currently, I’m leasing premises, but construction is going ahead on my building, and I hope to have it completed in the first half of 2025. I’m also proud to have customers coming back to me, because that means we have developed trust, and they will bring me more business.
Advice for other entrepreneurs
My advice for other entrepreneurs is simple: act early; start now.
A message for my sponsor
I truly appreciate what Vergenoeg Mining Company has done for me by sponsoring me on this programme. The lessons and skills I have learned are valuable in helping me grow my business. Once my construction project is finished, I have plans to start targeting new businesses and markets to see where I can make opportunities for K Auto Shop Mechanics.
I’m also really grateful to Raizcorp for the work they do – the lessons they share that are based on the firsthand experience of other entrepreneurs. I hope they will continue to help more entrepreneurs like me, who have a vision but need help turning it into a reality.