Local business attracts national attention

2007-03-29

New business owner Rabosehla Buthane is the pride of the Palabora Foundation this month, having been selected from hundreds of applicants to take part in the National Productivity Institute (NPI) training course and mentorship programme. She is the only person in Phalaborwa to embark on the programme, which usually assists people from big name companies such as Coca Cola. Her training took place earlier this month and she is now enjoying the support of their mentorship system.

Buthane’s business, Hadiyana Printers, started in May 2006 with no bank loan but plenty of determination. Before starting her company she approached the Palabora Foundation, whose Enterprise Information Centre (EIC) helped her with training and advice. It was the EIC staff who put her forward for the NPI programme.

Rabo, 27, said that her biggest challenge in starting the business has been money. Next, finding good suppliers can be difficult. However, she has been delighted to find both the Palabora Foundation and customers are very loyal and supportive. The Foundation is still assisting her by buying stationery, recommending her to other businesses and she is still receiving advice from the EIC’s Calvin Mashakeng – who even drives her to companies outside town if she needs to talk business, since she doesn’t have a car.

The NPI training was very useful to her in reducing the impact of wastage, improving productivity, and dealing with employees and customers. Rabo was also impressed that the training was given in her first language, Sotho, so that she could be sure she was understanding everything correctly. She praised the facilitators for their patience in explaining everything and said that the mentorship after the course helps her to apply what she has learnt.

Hadiyana Printers started with Rabo and one member of staff. She has now expanded to four employees, including herself. The shop not only provides copying and printing services but also offers a popular Internet café and sells stationery. She says her aim was simply to succeed, but the speed of her success has taken her by surprise. She would like to carry on progressing with her current setup in Phalaborwa, perhaps expanding further afield in the future. She and Jenni Fleming, Programme Head of Business Development at the Palabora Foundation, are busy planning for the rest of the year. As Jenni says, “The Palabora Foundation doesn’t just walk away”.

Asked what advice she has for others wanting to start a business, Rabo laughed (she does that a lot) and said, “You have to have patience, and you must get all the information you can get. Be a go-getter!” She continued that you can’t be lazy about reading, as there is a lot to learn about administration, dealing with employees and so on. Her final observation was, “Don’t get disappointed by people. Put yourself around positive people”. Given how often she smiles and laughs, she’s obviously practising what she preaches.

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