#MakingIt – Who’s your brother in the furniture business?

After being unemployed for some time young people often lose hope and resort to illegal means of survival.

Thabang Makgabo was no exception when he left school to join the South African working class.

“As an entrepreneur, I had to come up with an economically viable idea to create employment for myself,” he said.

Thabang entered the thriving township food industry when he started a fast food kitchen, which he ran for a year.

Instead of buying the usual restaurant furniture, he sought to be unique among his competitors and searched the cyber world for ideas.

Thabang opted for making furniture out of recycled wooden pallets and said this certainly did set his business apart.

His business drew attention from many customers and this success catapulted his vision into the future of furniture design for Kasi events.

He then partnered with Moyahabo Makgafela to form a company named Fratelli Events.

“Now we build furniture which we rent out for events and we also do decor for events,” said Thabang.

He recalls that for their first client they had to build pallet furniture for 100 guests, which amounted to 18 tables and 25 couches.

“Many patrons at the fast food restaurant were impressed and it is from here that we got more business and started renting out the furniture,” said Thabang.

When the duo was asked about the name of their company, Moyahabo said that “fratelli” means “brothers” in Italian.

These two enthusiastic entrepreneurs aim to grow their clientele to service big corporate events.

Currently, they also rent out a truck furnished with pallet furniture, for individuals and events around the township.

“What makes our events company unique is that we build our own unique furniture which is attractive to the clients,” said Moyahabo.

He said Fratelli Events’ leverage in the hospitality industry is innovation, as they strive to bring an exclusive and memorable experience to each event.

“Our vision is to create employment for young people in our township, showing our peers that there are many things you can create with your hands to make a living,” said Moyahabo.

“Interested event organisers, who are curious about what Fratelli Events does, can look forward to a taste of high-class style.”

When asked about their working relationship, Moyahabo said Thabang is a very professional, hard working individual.

“He is creative and open to new ideas. We work well together and envisage building a reputable events management company in the country. This can be achieved through a growth in our profit margin year on year and by setting up branches in different provinces.”

Anyone interested in renting or buying pallet furniture can contact Fratelli Events on 084 233 7291 or 081 098 7563.