Tembisa entrepreneur empowers SMMEs with office supplies

Samuel Thandavhathu works hard in his small office, hoping to thrive in the world of telecommunications.

The Limpopo-born entrepreneur said it is not easy to compete with big businesses, but he is patient in building his empire.

“I initially wanted to be a radio presenter, but due to lack knowledge of the appropriate channels to follow and the lack of access to media houses I could not be a DJ. I was just a naive boy who went to school under a tree at Ratshibvumo Secondary School.

“I then decided to study for a qualification in telecommunications, specialising in telesales and telecommunications.

“That is what we now know as a call centre service. In 1994, I began working as a call centre agent and we were selling computer consumables/components, printer toners, ink cartridges and other corresponding office stationery,” Thandavhathu explained.

This is where Thandavhathu got the idea of starting his own business – Franani Office Solutions.

Thandavhathu said he started Faranani Office Solutions in 2000 with R350, a table, one chair and a phone in a small office in Braamfontein.

“My business was manned by only one person, my wife.

“I realised my business needed me more and I decided to resign. I moved back to operate in Tembisa,” said Thandavhathu.

He said at the moment he is keeping his business small in order to please his clients, but in the future he wants to grow the business.

“We want to do away with late deliveries and poor quality of goods. We are now importing our products. Our mission is to be the most successful supplier of office products in South Africa and give our clients the best customer experience,” said Thandavhathu.

He encouraged budding entrepreneurs to never give up, even when they face the most difficult challenges in their business venture.

Thandavhathu is looking for young unemployed people who want to learn the business of computer and office supply.

Faranani Office Solutions can be contacted on 067 8584909, 067 859 4392, 0734805083 or info@farananiofficesolutions.co.za and website: www.farananiofficesolutions.co.za