Entrepreneur Moses prepares for 2010

2008-03-18

Moses Mahlo, a youth from Namakgale, started his small nursery at home as a hobby back in 2003. Five years later, the successful little business has created eight jobs at his homestead. Since both of Moses’ parents are unemployed, the business provided vital funds to enable Moses to continue with his management studies at Sir Val Duncan College in Namakgale. Moses was recently awarded a bursary to further his studies at UNISA to study Entrepreneurship and Business Management in 2008. The business also funded studies for his elder brother, Thabo, to complete his Law diploma at the University of Limpopo in 2007.

Moses learned his trade while studying at Vuxeni High School under the guidance of the school principal, Mr Douglas Mkhawane. In 2004, he approached The Palabora Foundation’s Business Development unit for sound advice on how to manage and grow his small business. The unit offered Moses relevant management training as part of developing his managerial abilities. Moses applied every bit of knowledge gained through the unit, resulting in his business growing almost beyond his control.

Moses’ boost came in a number of ways, including being able to sell his plants at Bollanoto at open market days. He receives orders from individual clients and local nurseries in Phalaborwa and as far away as Tzaneen.

To support his growing his business, Moses purchased a piece of land next to Namakgale Reservoir (on the main road through Phalaborwa and Gravelotte) from Mashishimale Tribal Authority. Jenni Fleming, the unit’s Programme Head, assisted in negotiating to obtain permission for Moses to buy the land. The nursery will still operate from his house as well as at the new premises.

Moses conveyed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Palabora Foundation Director, Marc Demmer, to Jenni Fleming and to his former school master, Mr Mkhawane, for the contribution they have made in his life. He also thanked the team that developed his skills through capacity building programmes at the Foundation’s business unit.

The Palabora Foundation’s Business Development unit is situated at the Leboneng Education Centre in Namakgale. Entrepreneurs can contact the unit on 015 769 5055.

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