Meet this week’s Absa Small Business Friday featured small business – Metalmint.
In the realm of business innovation, there are moments when frustration sparks the birth of brilliance. For Zahir Dambha, founder of Metalmint, that moment came amidst a pile of traditional business cards at a conference. “It was a nightmare trying to find contact details,” he recalls with a hint of humour, reflecting on the catalyst for what would become his cutting-edge venture.
Established in January 2024, Metalmint specialises in the design and production of NFC-enabled metal business and bank cards. Dambha’s vision was clear: to revolutionise networking by leveraging NFC technology to streamline the exchange of contact information. “I saw the potential to make networking more efficient and impactful,” he explains, emphasizing the transformative power of technology in enhancing everyday business interactions.
Dambha’s journey to entrepreneurial success has been a tapestry woven with challenges and triumphs. Born from a positive upbringing in Lesotho, his quest for knowledge and experience led him to Durban, where he pursued a degree in architecture. After gaining valuable insights working for architectural firms, he ventured into entrepreneurship, opening Durban’s first franchised Halaal restaurant on Florida Road in 2022—a venture that now supports a thriving team of over 25 employees.
However, Dambha’s ambitions didn’t stop there. By 2024, he had co-founded multiple ventures aligned with his passion for progress and innovation. These included Wellness Vitality Group, set to launch a pioneering medical center, and FuelXpress Pty Ltd, a mobile fuel service poised for operational success following recent licensing approvals. Amidst these achievements stands Metalmint, a testament to Dambha’s relentless pursuit of innovative solutions to everyday challenges.
Yet, behind every success lies a formidable challenge—the entrepreneurial mindset. Dambha acknowledges the doubts and uncertainties that accompany pioneering endeavors. “The greatest challenge has been mastering the mindset to persist through adversity,” he admits. It’s this resilience that sets him apart—an unwavering belief in his vision and the determination to see it through.
Reflecting on his journey thus far, Dambha finds pride in his ability to transform ideas into reality. “Taking decisive action and executing on my visions has been key,” he asserts, underscoring the importance of boldness and perseverance in entrepreneurial pursuits. As he continues to evolve and expand his ventures, Dambha remains committed to learning and growing, driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to making a meaningful impact.
As he looks towards the future, one thing is certain: with creativity as his compass and determination as his guide, Dambha’s journey with Metalmint is poised to inspire and redefine the boundaries of possibility in the entrepreneurial world.