Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured small business of the week – Nyathelani SA.
Nyathelani SA is a company that focuses on backup power, electrical installations and construction. Zandile Vuma started Nyathelani in 2004 and has been the powerhouse in keeping the business growing and developing.
From humble beginnings, she sold atchar to foreign markets, and she used the money gained from these sales to finance a business which bought and resold clothing. By bootstrapping her business, she took her initial steps towards financial stability.
Zandile pivoted through many different types of jobs and industries until she started selling industrial generators. This marked a significant leap in her entrepreneurial journey. She expanded her business to include family members and temporary staff to meet the growing demand.
As with any entrepreneurial journey, Zandile faced some obstacles along the way. The three most challenging obstacles were a lack of capital, the absence of a reputable family background or influential connections, and becoming compliant. As mentioned above, Zandile found a creative approach by selling atchar to help gain the capital she needed for her new venture.
Secondly, to overcome the absence of influential connections, Zandile Vuma built up her business with her skills, hard work and determination to succeed.
Lastly, compliance was yet another challenge. Zandila Vuma had limited knowledge of the intricate regulations and requirements that govern businesses. To tackle this issue, she committed to learning the ins and outs of business. She sought advice, educated herself on the relevant regulations, and made the necessary adjustments to ensure her business was compliant. It was a steep learning curve, but Zandile knew it was crucial for her business’s success.
Zandile’s journey as an entrepreneur has been a challenging one, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. She has learned that limitations can be turned into opportunities, setbacks can be valuable lessons, and determination and resilience are the keys to success. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the belief that even in the face of significant obstacles, she can achieve her dreams and build a successful business.