#MakingIt – Young man thrives in business
A former retail employee set an example for his peers when he discovered his passion for business.
Youth unemployment is endemic in our society and young people are getting frustrated.
Many despondent residents endure a life of destitution, while others resort to crime to make ends meet.
A former retail employee set an example for his peers when he discovered his passion for business.
The 30-years-old businessman said he learnt his business ethics when he was in primary school, selling amagwinya (vetkoeks) house-to-house before going to school.
“My mother was in business. I would sell one vetkoek every day to feed a family of five,” said Mr Bukhosi Prince Mkhize.
His experience of business in the informal sector enabled him to identify a gap in the branding of small businesses.
He said many entrepreneurs disregarded the importance of business branding when positioning their companies in a market.
Mr Mkhize said he was inspired to set up Ubukhosi Print and Engraving, a company that caters for all printing needs, branding, signage and logo designs.
The former Ikusasa Comprehensive School pupil said he started his venture by producing name badges and student cards for local schools.
“I got the idea after a pupil from a Gauteng school was stabbed by another wearing the same school uniform, but the perpetrator could not be identified by the school,” said Mr Mkhize.
Ubukhosi Print and Engraving was registered in 2010 when the mantra on South Africans’ lips was “South Africa – Alive with Possibilities”.
He said the challenge was raising capital for the business and he found two men who supported him with a R30 000 loan to start the business.
He said his second challenge was obtaining finance to expand the business.
“I approached financial institutions and the NYDA provided me with knowledge on how to run my business.
“A second pitch with the financial institution earned us R66 000 worth of printing equipment and that was our kick-off to success,” said Mr Mkhize.
He said he started in a small room at home but today the business is housed at the Zniko shopping complex.
The business studies graduate said Kasi entrepreneurs must understand that branding makes their businesses visible among competitors and recognisable to potential clients.
“Branding gives a sense of professionalism and it markets your business,” he said.
Mr Mkhize said he is happy to be working with creative young minds in building clients’ businesses.
Ubukhosi employs four people who Mr Mkhize said are hungry for success. He considers the business a success and he is working towards building a legacy of Ubukhosi Print and Engraving.
“I want the business to be recognised nationally as the biggest competitor in the printing industry,” he said.
His advice to young people is that they must not be afraid to start a business.
“Ideas are out there. Try to identify your competitors’ weak points, improve on them and make them your strong points.”
