#MakingIt – Compassion helps Matjie put food on the table
"I always wanted to build my own empire and that was not going to happen if I continued working for someone."
With the country inspiring people to become entrepreneurs and to operate small businesses in order to help reduce the high rate of unemployment, Mr Donald Matjieventured into a funeral home business.
The Ivory Park-based Mr Matjie owns Banareng Funeral Services, which caters for the community of Ivory Park and the surrounding areas.
After he realised that he had no progress in life when he worked for other people, Mr Matjie decided to start his funeral parlour in 2010.
“I always wanted to build my own empire and that was not going to happen if I continued working for someone. I love business and I always had ideas on what kind of business I could pursue,” said Mr Matjie.
When asked why he decided to venture into a funeral parlour business, Mr Matjie said he realised how some members of the community struggled to lay their loved ones to rest as they were cheated by non-delivering funeral parlours (scams).
“It takes humanity to become a funeral director and it needs you to have an infinite amount of patience and understanding because you will be dealing with people who are grieving. In some instances, you are forced to help bury the poor as they don’t have a cent for funeral arrangements,” added Mr Matjie.
A father of four children, Mr Matjie said he loves to serve the community with pride and plough back where it is possible.
“I am extremely happy to be serving the people of Ivory Park because they support my business. I don’t mind helping a family, who does not have money, with free funeral services. I feel proud to have helped some families to be able to put food on the table since I’ve hired several people in the community who are working for Banareng,” added Mr Matjie.
When asked what his long term goal was, Mr Matjie said he wanted to operate numerous branches all over the country.
“My aim is to grow the funeral parlour into many branches and have more people working for me. Although that is not going to happen over-night or a year, I have to work exceptionally hard to be able to gather more money to reach the goal,” said Mr Matjie.
Banareng Funeral Parlour offers services such as a coffin, coffin spray, hearse and family car, removal of body and storage, chairs, tent, tables, cups, plates, table spoons and five bags of vegetables.
Mr Matjie advised young people that crime was not a solution to their issues.
“Seek better opportunities or information that can help you start your own small business. Those people in high places who are making it, they started at a zero level. You can sell fruits, snacks or veggies, anything that can help grow you as an individual,” added Mr Matjie.
