Quick read

• Polokwane barber Emmanuel Duma founded Legitimate Mobile Barber Shop, offering haircuts via motorbike service.
• The business has grown from one location in Thornhill to a second near Marula Heights Estate.
• Duma aims to expand while mentoring his team, emphasising passion and long-term vision in entrepreneurship.

Full story

POLOKWANE – Emmanuel Duma, a local barber, saw a gap in the hairdressing market and decided to take action.

After securing work and establishing a loyal clientele, he launched his own business, Legitimate Mobile Barber Shop. Duma’s innovative idea involved turning his barbering service into a mobile business, using a motorbike to reach customers wherever they are.

What began as a single location in Thornhill has now expanded to a second location near Marula Heights Estate. He said his goal was to reach areas that are typically harder to access, targeting neighbourhoods that align with his business vision and his intended audience.

“I place myself in areas that I feel are suitable for what I want to do,” he said, adding that he plans to replicate this model in various parts of the city.

As an entrepreneur, Duma acknowledged the difficulties of starting a business, remarking that many people don’t always see the potential of an idea and may underestimate its value.

“The most challenging thing is finding yourself within the business. You have to take care of yourself while still prioritising the growth of the business.”

He believes entrepreneurship requires leadership skills, as you eventually need to lead the people who help you bring your vision to life. He currently employs three people and hopes to expand his team to six, though he’s not rushing the process.

“I enjoy helping those I employ to do better and grow. I understand the consequences of unemployment because I’ve been there, and it brings me great joy to see my team progress in their careers, family lives, and beyond.”

His advice to other business owners is this: don’t treat your business solely as a source of income.

“If you want a source of income, get a job. A business is an idea, a dream that you build over time. It requires passion because it might not pay off immediately, but eventually, it will,” Duma said.