WATCH | Episode 50 of SME show with Rams Mabote

The Entrepreneurial SME, hosted by Rams Mabote, is a weekly TV programme that charts the road to success for small business owners.

Tune in to the show on Business Day TV each week, Channel 412 on DStv, at 8.30pm on Tuesdays.

Whether your business is facing an obstacle or is caught in a highly competitive cycle, Mabote talks to the captains of the SME sector and other experts and professionals who have the knowledge and insights to help SMEs grow and reach their full potential.

These are the many entrepreneurs who make it against the odds — those who do not quit at the first sign of trouble.

EPISODE 50 Part 1

A Vrygrond youth-led enterprise, Mosebe Enterprises, is switching on lights, plugs and lives through its portable power stations solution. Its pilot flagship power station, “Tsepho – The Power of Hope”, is an innovative 10Ah solar charge energy solution.

On this episode of The Entrepreneurial SME, Mabote chats to the founder of Mosebe Enterprises, Vincent Mosebe, on how his team built a product that targets informal settlement households which would otherwise utilise unsafe power methods such as candles and illegal connections that often lead to settlement fires.

Watch Episode 50 Part 2 below

EPISODE 49 Part 1

SA’s technology sector has been steadily growing, presenting major opportunities for entrepreneurs in the healthcare space.

On this episode Rams Mabote invites the head of distribution at Unu Health, Neil Kinsley, to share his expertise on the key trends and how tech startups are entering the industry to make health care affordable to all.

Watch Episode 49 Part 2 below

EPISODE 48 Part 1

Roska Artisan Ice Cream started in 2019 with one ice cream maker and a few recipes to indulge friends and family. Today, the brand's footprint includes a presence at various Superspar outlets, popular stockists, hotel groups and high-end restaurants. On this instalment Mabote chats to the CEO, Kamal Manilal, and gets a holistic view of how the company achieved rapid success within a five-year period.

Watch Episode 48 Part 2 below

EPISODE 47 Part 1

Mabule International is an enterprise and supplier development, advisory and training and investment facilitation company. It focuses on providing its clients with solutions to move to the next level.

Host Rams Mabote speaks to CEO Mighty Mabule on the common challenges SMEs face that keep many from surviving more than five years.

Watch Episode 47 Part 2 below

EPISODE 46 Part 1

Most successful business owners would advise aspiring new business owners that placing an emphasis on business plans is an invaluable tool that can help businesses (at all phases and of all sizes) to succeed. Rams Mabote speaks to Oscar Siziba, head of coverage for business banking SA at Standard Bank, on how SMEs can start the process of developing an effective business plan.

Watch Episode 46 Part 2 below

EPISODE 45 Part 1

On this episode Rams Mabote invites the co-founder and CEO of Credipple, Kgololo Lekoma, to give insights on what it takes to build an online marketplace, bridging the gap between clients and trusted creative digital services.

Watch Episode 45 Part 2 below

EPISODE 44 Part 1

SA's unemployment crisis has inspired some entrepreneurs to step up and provide services to help bridge the gap between graduates and potential employers.

Host Rams Mabote sits down with the co-founder and CEO of Jobox, Sibusiso Buna, to get a better understanding on how the business generates profit from this model.

Watch Episode 44 Part 2 below

EPISODE 43 Part 1

Host Rams Mabote sits down with Telkom Business's head of diversified sales, Strini Mandri, to discuss some of the local and global trends that SMEs should look out for. Together they touch on the value of investing in soft skills, the opportunities found in monetising data to drive new business avenues, and much more.

Watch Episode 43 Part 2 below

EPISODE 42 Part 1

Rams Mabote chats to boerewors enthusiasts and the co-founders of Boerie Bro's, Luthando and Snothando Kolwapi. Together they explore SA's fast-food industry, the opportunities available for startups and the challenges of gatekeeping in the private sector.

Watch Episode 42 Part 2 below

EPISODE 41 Part 1

In the ever-evolving landscape of township markets, inclusive delivery services have emerged as a catalyst for economic empowerment. Mabote sits down with the CEO and  founder of Delivery Ka Speed, Godiragetse Mogajane, to talk about the genesis of the company and what it takes to penetrate SA's township market as a startup.

Watch Episode 41 Part 2 below

EPISODE 40 Part 1

According to the Xero Small Business Report released in 2023, the industry generated 30% of total employment, and 32% of all wage jobs. While the SME sector presents growth opportunities, it still faces several challenges that prevent it from fully embracing the global market.

Host Rams Mabote and the chief technology officer of VertoFX, Anthony Oduwole, explore cross-border payments and how they help stimulate international trade for SMEs.

Watch Episode 40 Part 2 below

EPISODE 39 Part 1

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement earlier in November, placing priority on municipal debt relief, energy transition projects, supporting infrastructure investment and more.

Yet, the small business sector enjoyed little or no mention in this mini-budget. Host Rams Mabote invites award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Virtue Business Solutions, Wendy Silinyana, and the managing executive for finance at Telkom Business, Hasnain Motlekar, to discuss the future of SA's SME sector and what is required for success and longevity.

Watch Episode 39 Part 2 below

EPISODE 38 Part 1

After spending years in SA's interior design and decor industry, entrepreneur and founder of Timeless Decor Services, Lebohang Maduma, shares his journey in starting his own business venture in a highly competitive market.

Watch Episode 38 Part 2 below

EPISODE 37 Part 1

Developed economies have made a smooth transition to the fourth industrial revolution and are already engaging in talks about the fifth. That said, SA is reportedly lagging behind and will need to redouble its efforts in the development and deployment of digital infrastructure.

Mabote invites Telkom Business industry experts Kulani Chauke, who is solutions architect and technical product manager, and product development head Arnold Naicker, to explore the strides that have been made in supporting SMEs on their digital journeys by turning to software-as-a-service solutions.

Together they discuss the latest technology to assist SMEs with business flexibility and scalability.

Watch Episode 37 Part 2 below

EPISODE 36 Part 1

Host Rams Mabote is joined by the founder and MD of LeloMaq Events & Decor, Nombulelo Maqetuka Morapedi, to talk about the challenges of running a family business.

She shares her journey of taking risks as a small business owner and explains how she diversified her service offering to access markets. She and Mabote also discuss the opportunities to be found in the events and communications industry.

Watch Episode 36 Part 2 below

EPISODE 35 Part 1

Mabote is joined by entrepreneur Celeste Summerton, CEO of The Business Boutique, to discuss her journey in kickstarting a bespoke accounting, tax and business consulting firm for small to medium enterprises. It is a rollercoaster ride operating in such a highly competitive industry, and she shares how technology shapes her service offering to other businesses.

Watch EPISODE 35 Part 2 below

EPISODE 34 Part 1

After spending much of his time unemployed, Walk Fresh founder Lethabo Mokoena enlisted a team of friends to start a sneaker-cleaning company in the dusty streets of Daveyton. Eight years later Mokoena has expanded the company footprint into upmarket areas such as Sandton City.

Host Rams Mabote speaks to Mokoena about how the business model has evolved and how he expanded his reach into surburban areas. They also discuss how entrepreneurship has shaped Mokoena's perspective on business.

Watch EPISODE 34 Part 2 below

EPISODE 33 Part 1 (we are working on replacing these videos)

Running an independent bookstore in the current socioeconomic climate may be considered risky but the director of Book Circle Capital, Sewela Langeni, shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she overcame obstacles to ensure the longevity of the business.

Mabote also learns how Langeni digitally transformed her business and what strategies she used to attract her market. 

Watch EPISODE 33 Part 2 below

Not available at present

EPISODE 32 Part 1

Insurance is a concept that many, including small business owners, shy away from. Cost is always the reason SMEs cite for not taking out insurance. But there are many reasons why they should.

Rams Mabote speaks to the MD of Bi-Me, Francois Potgieter, and Doughgetters director Kenneth Coetzer, to explore the reluctance by SMEs to acquire insurance for their businesses, the types of insurance SMEs need to consider and why it is important that they embrace it sooner rather than later.

Watch EPISODE 32 Part 2 below

EPISODE 31 Part 1

In this episode, Creinex Management founder and CEO Olivia Segooa talks to Mabote.

There are more than 500 registered mining projects in SA and each one requires services and infrastructure, offering entrepreneurs the chance to take advantage of a gap in the market.

Segooa discusses her journey into the flexible intermediate bulk container manufacturing space.

Watch EPISODE 31 Part 2 below

EPISODE 30 Part 1

In this episode, Small Business Institute CEO John Dludlu joins Rams Mabote to talk about the recent 15th Brics Summit, which was hosted by SA in August.

Mabote and Dludlu discuss the significance of the summit, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the opportunities available for small-business owners.

Watch EPISODE 30 Part 2 below

EPISODE 29 Part 1

On this episode of The Entrepreneurial SME, Rams Mabote is joined by 3E Group owner and founder Theko Letsie, who talks about how he left the comfort of a high-paying job to start his own business venture in the mining and engineering industry.

Letsie also discusses some of the challenges that small enterprises face, including losing skilled staff to big companies.

Watch EPISODE 29 Part 2 below

EPISODE 28 Part 1 (we are working on replacing these videos)

In this instalment of The Entrepreneurial SME, Rams Mabote is joined by Craft & Design Institute (CDI) group CEO Erica Elk to discuss the various small-business funding sources available in SA.

Entrepreneurs play an important role in shaping the economic landscape and driving advancement in society, but access to funding remains a challenge for many.

Watch EPISODE 28 Part 2 below

Not available at present

EPISODE 27 Part 1

Rams Mabote discusses women in business with three industry leaders, Mustard Seed CEO Linda Omara-Koledade, the managing executive for Telkom Consumer Broadband and Smarthome, Makgosi Mabaso, and Irene Okoye, the head of business growth and marketing at Redplan Business Consulting. Together they examine why entrepreneurship is vital for its ability to advance the role of women in society and to generate wealth.

Africa has a thriving female entrepreneurship culture despite systemic challenges. They discuss these challenges faced by female business owners, the efforts made by various institutions to minimise gender disparities when it comes to funding access, and much more.

Watch EPISODE 27 Part 2 below

EPISODE 26 Part 1

On this instalment of The Entrepreneurial SME, Rams Mabote is joined by head of product development at Telkom Business Arnold Naicker. Together they explore the SME sector in-depth, which industries are performing well and how to boost the development of SA’s small business sector.

Watch EPISODE 26 Part 2 below

EPISODE 25 Part 1

Dipalesa Biotech Lab is a biomanufacturing company that focuses on research & development, extraction, formulation services and contract manufacturing. Founder and CEO Palesa Lephallo joins Mabote to share her struggles with accessing the market as a small business and overcoming her fear of working outside the lab to secure more clientele.

She explains how she managed to get back up on her feet after a failed business venture to start the company that  bridges the gap between cosmetic science and the use of indigenous plants in her production methods. She and Mabote outline what it takes to become a resilient entrepreneur in today's socioeconomic times and the risks associated with running this business venture.

Watch EPISODE 25 Part 2 below

Episode 24 Part 1 

The Covid pandemic in 2020 forced a massive closure of businesses, shrinking economies across the globe. However, e-commerce recorded a 66% growth year-on-year and in SA the sector is now worth more than R30bn.

The CEO of Takealot.com, Frederik Zietsman, joins Mabote to discuss SA's digital market growth and how his company has grown to be one of the biggest online marketplaces in the country. They also discuss the various opportunities Takealot offers small business owners through its business accelerator programme which aims to empower black SMEs.

Watch EPISODE 24 Part 2 below

EPISODE 23 Part 1 

SA's healthcare industry continues to face significant challenges which includes a shortage of healthcare facilities, inadequate infrastructure and, most importantly, a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. This has challenged entrepreneurs to think of solutions to mitigate these problems by effectively using technology not only as a business and entrepreneurial tool, but also to improve people's lives.

Mabote speaks to the CEO and co-founder of the Eagle Intelligent Health app, Arvind Raichur, on how he built a telehealth platform that simplifies processes between medical practitioners and patients.

Watch EPISODE 23 Part 2 below

EPISODE 22 Part 1

On this episode of The Entrepreneurial SME, Mabote explores cash flow management and the danger, as an entrepreneur, of handling your own bookkeeping.

The director of SMTAX, Sivenathi Sibaca, and the CEO of the Chartered Institute of Business Accountants, Nicolaas van Wyk, discuss some of the expenses SMEs need to track to ensure business sustainability. Keeping track of all transactions inevitably helps determine the health and success of the business. Together they explore accounting for small businesses and some of the factors a business must consider when choosing an accounting software package.

Watch EPISODE 22 Part 2 below

EPISODE 21 Part 1

Smart technologies have changed the majority of sectors in SA, forcing entrepreneurs to adapt and invest in digital systems to stay ahead of their competitors. On this episode Mabote shines the spotlight on the township economy.

It is no secret that township businesses are the missing link in SA's growth puzzle. With responsibility for 38% of total consumer spending at present, which amounts to more than R600bn annually, the township market continues to expand, offering vast opportunities.

In this context Mabote invites the CEO of Standard Bank Thrive, Khetha Mazibuko, to discuss how important it is for small business owners to embrace technology and explain how the Thrive system, a marketplace app, is designed to boost profitability and assist small township businesses with seamless payment processes. 

Watch EPISODE 21 Part 2 below

EPISODE 20 Part 1

This week the founder and director of Kele Engineering & Construction, Kgaugelo Mogapi, describes how she identified a gap in the mining sector and started her own company. She shares her insights on how the sector has transformed over the last five years. She also reveals how she managed to secure long-term contracts with big corporations and advises how SMEs can pitch to big corporate clients to secure business.

The mining industry continues to be one of the most important sectors in SA, contributing 8% of GDP and providing direct employment to roughly half a million people. Mabote and Mogapi discuss the opportunities that exist within the sector.

Watch EPISODE 20 Part 2 below

EPISODE 19 Part 1

Technological innovation is causing a massive shift in nearly every industry in SA. But while socioeconomic challenges exist, such as a shortage of digital skills and a steep increase in youth unemployment, concerns over mass job displacement are looming due to artificial intelligence and automation.

Mabote is joined by industry experts: Telkom Business Digital Channels head Dr Mbuso Nzama, Business Day writer and economist Mudiwa Gavaza, BCX Business & Digital Advisory executive Mpho Matsitse and Makgosi Mabaso, managing executive at Telkom Consumer Broadband & Smarthome.

Together they examine the efforts made by SMEs to adapt to digital transformation in different industries and what digital skills are in high demand, and have an in-depth look into SA's e-commerce market. They also explore the challenges blocking small businesses from embracing technological innovation.

Watch EPISODE 19 Part 2 below

EPISODE 18 Part 1

Sandy Fuhr, the founder of one of SA’s most recognised beauty organisations, the Beauty Therapy Institute, has revolutionised the industry and its leadership in an effort to empower women by diversifying her business model into the online training and franchising space. Fuhr joins Mabote to share her journey of building a successful empire and expanding the company's footprint into Africa.

Watch EPISODE 18 Part 2 below

Episode 17 Part 1

SA is a country with a high consumption of meat, a habit coupled to weekly events held in various communities. Meshack Mokhema, the founder of Usizo Thuso, is one entrepreneur who identified an opportunity by taking advantage of the synergy between livestock farming and the funeral industry.

He started by supplying meat to many communities around his area in Evaton, Johannesburg, and then expanded into other parts of SA as well as surrounding countries. On this instalment Mokhema shares his journey from being a cattle herder to starting his own business, one that now has a southern African footprint.

Watch EPISODE 17 Part 2 below

EPISODE 16 Part 1

These owners often struggle to stay abreast with the pace and sophistication of new technological developments. With the current load-shedding schedules, it makes it tougher for these businesses to compete with corporate giants in using technology to support their growth and cement their competitive edge.

Mabote is joined by the head of product development at Telkom Business, Arnold Naicker, and WHSE Training College MD Analise van Zyl to discuss simple technology that SMEs can use to enhance productivity and overall customer experience.

Watch EPISODE 16 Part 2 below

EPISODE 15 Part 1

Rabbit meat is not as commonly eaten in SA as it is in Europe and other countries but some SMEs have identified the potential of this industry and are slowly educating the market on the health benefits of the meat.

Mabote is joined by the founder of MPBIZRabbitry, aka uMam’Nogwaja (mother of rabbits), Daisy Moleko. Together they discuss the rabbit meat industry and the vast potential it holds for small business owners.

Watch EPISODE 15 Part 2 below

EPISODE 14 Part 1

Issues around sustainability have always been the concern of large corporates. The Covid-19 pandemic and the current climate crisis revealed the importance of countries creating a systems solution framework that tackles these global challenges, placing small businesses at the centre. On this episode Mabote talks to award-winning business leader and Fetola founder Catherine Wijnberg about how SMEs can make an impact as SA aspires to a “green circular” economy.

Fetola assists in excess of 1,200 entrepreneurs and has a variety of small business accelerators. Wijnberg gives her expert insights into the concept of the green circular economy and the opportunities that exist for SMEs to tap into and flourish.

Watch EPISODE 14 Part 2 below

EPISODE 13 Part 1

Consultants have become a necessity in SA’s changing business landscape. Human resources management, in particular, plays a key role in developing and changing the culture of an organisation. On this instalment Mabote is joined by the founders of Imizizi — Yolisa Tshabalala and Mponeng Seshea. Together they share their journey of building an efficient HR consulting business in a short time.

They touch on digital transformation within HR management and how it has enabled SMEs to change operational processes to become more automated and data-driven.

Watch EPISODE 13 Part 2 below

EPISODE 12 Part 1

On this episode the founder and creative director of Inverroche Gin, Lorna Scott, touches on the market potential found within the craft gin space in SA, and explains how SMEs can find a foothold, irrespective of the growing number of competitive brands.

Economic experts highlight the importance of the craft spirits industry and how it helps foster sustainable development, employment creation and overall economic growth. However, with the current challenges affecting small craft producer business growth, this leaves a question about the industry's survival in SA. Scott touches on these significant challenges and how, as a business owner, she is affected by them.

EPISODE 11 Part 1

On this episode the founder and business development manager of Sanath Trading, Vimbai Tshuma, shares how she refused to give up after failing in her initial business ventures, and bounced back to success. Mabote chats to her about the importance of adopting cost-effective digital marketing strategies as a small business to gain access to new markets.

Watch EPISODE 11 Part 2 below

EPISODE 10 Part 1

The founder and MD of Masodi Organics, Liz Letsoalo, joins  Mabote to discuss how she built a beauty business which moved from her kitchen to Clicks within three years.

Watch EPISODE 10 Part 2 below

EPISODE 9 Part 1

Tshepo Jeans founder Tshepo Mohlala joins Mabote to share his roller-coaster ride of kick-starting a luxury denim brand on the African continent and watching it become an international sensation.

Watch EPISODE 9 Part 2 below

EPISODE 8 Part 1

The logistics and transportation industry in SA provides a variety of investment opportunities, but selecting the most profitable business idea can be complex. The author and founder of Brima Logistics, Tshepo Mekoa, tells Mabote how he was able to find a gap in the market and build a multimillion-rand business venture.

Watch EPISODE 8 Part 2 below

EPISODE 7 Part 1

After finding his way to success despite initially enduring failed businesses, the founder of Basani Cleaners, McMillan Masoka, chats to Mabote on the various challenges he has faced as an entrepreneur running a deep-cleaning company and how he manages to overcome those hurdles.

Watch EPISODE 7 Part 2 below

EPISODE 6 Part 1

The first important national events of 2023 — the budget and the state of the nation address — have raised concerns about the overall future of small businesses in SA.

To help make sense of these two speeches and the changing landscape brought about by the fourth industrial revolution, which represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and relate to one another, Mabote talks to the managing executive at Telkom Financial Services, Sibusiso Ngwenya, Small Business Institute CEO John Dludlu and the chief investment officer of Business Partners Ltd, Jeremy Lang.

Watch EPISODE 6 Part 2 below

EPISODE 5 Part 1

This week Matlhogonolo Ledwaba, founder of the Bread Box Bakery & Studio, shares her journey of moving from the corporate sector to invest in a culinary skill rooted in her childhood.

Watch EPISODE 5 Part 2 below

EPISODE 4 Part 1

After getting retrenched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic with no source of income, Christelle Fredericks kick-started her mobile business, founding Chrystell Health & Wellness Mobile Spa.

She joins Mabote on The Entrepreneurial SME to share her rollercoaster ride of setting up a successful small business in a volatile market.

Watch EPISODE 4 Part 2 below

EPISODE 3 Part 1

On this third episode of The Entrepreneurial SME, we look at SA's food industry which has been experiencing growth in revenue from year to year but remains highly competitive. Award-winning entrepreneur Kgomotso Motshegoa joins Mabote to share his journey of starting his fast-food business — Corner Dladla Pizzeria — in the community of Protea Glen, Soweto.

Watch EPISODE 3 part 2 below

EPISODE 2 Part 1

On this second episode of The Entrepreneurial SME, we see how, as fashion and retail continue to grow as a sector in SA, more entrepreneurs are finding a gap in the market and making profits from a niche product offering.

Mabote is joined by the founder of Tumi Captivating Fashion, Tumi Nakedi, and Makgosi Mabaso, managing executive for home and business broadband at Telkom Business. Together they discuss SA's fashion industry and how SMMES can use various platforms to boost sales.

Watch EPISODE 2 part 2 below

EPISODE 1 Part 1

On this first episode of The Entrepreneurial SME, Mabote is joined by the founder of 3NT Branding, Nontokozo Vilakazi, to discuss her journey to success and the impact that the current energy crisis has on her business.

Watch EPISODE 1 part 2 below

This series is sponsored by Telkom.