Mpho Octavia Matlala | Octavia’s Rabaji Trading (Pty) Ltd

Mpho Octavia Matlala | Octavia’s Rabaji Trading (Pty) Ltd

Programme sponsor: Exxaro

“I now know who my target market is and that has enabled me to promote my business to the right audience”

Mpho Matlala is passionate about catering, so much so that she owns two eateries. Her first business is a cafeteria that sells kotas, chips and snacks. For her second business, she decided to become part of a franchise and signed up to run a Galito’s, a flame-grilled chicken fast-food outlet. “I have a passion for food. While I was in university, I noticed canteens where few and far between and this inspired me to open my own,” Mpho says.

When she opened her cafeteria in 2013, she had no funds and no knowledge of how to run a business. This in itself was a challenge, and she came to realise that running a business is a daily journey of learning and adapting. In April of 2021, Mpho was selected for a business-development programme sponsored by Exxaro and powered by Raizcorp. “The impact that the Exxaro-Raizcorp programme had on my business was very positive. To make your business a success, you need to know what is happening within it,” she says. “I now know who my target market is and that has enabled me to promote my business to the right audience. I’m seeing increased turnover and staff growth because more customers are coming in the door,” she adds.

Her words of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Persevere! Owning your own business is not an easy journey, but do not give up on your dreams. I have also found that teamwork has seen me through the toughest times.”

She only has words of praise for her sponsor. “Thank you for allowing me to take part in this programme. My guides (mentors) and everyone else at Raizcorp, down to the reception staff, made my learning journey a success. I have learned so much about business. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work you are doing to develop entrepreneurs!”