In the crowded Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector it is only companies whose quality of services stand out from the pack that excel. For 100% black-owned Related IT Connexions, providing clients with the most cost effective, robust and efficient ICT solutions possible has worked like a charm. The company continues to consistently develop loyal clientele in both private and public sectors, in the face of a depressed economy.
Owned and managed by Ziphozonke Linda Msane known as Zipho, Related IT Connexions’ core business is to provide complete ICT Solutions centred around client visibility on the World Wide Web of the global Internet, which includes information security and data forensics; portal, website and applications design, development and full service commissioning; infrastructure hosting and archival services; and associated consultancy assignments including compliancy, risk and governance assessments; and ICT strategic and business process reviews.
Highlighting the uniqueness of the Related IT’s product range, Msane says: “What we offer is more than just value-add, we prioritise every customer need and become part of their solution throughout, we don’t just give you a solution and dump you, from inception until finalisation, and beyond.”
Related IT Connexions was registered in 2004 as a Close Corporation and operated part-time till 2010, becoming fully operational in 2011. But it would be an understatement to say that the journey from formation to sustainability has been smooth, reveals Msane. Related IT Connexions has encountered quite a number of challenges, as most owners of start-up businesses would corroborate.
“It has not been an easy journey. Growing the client base in the face of regulatory and revenue constraints is a particular challenge, coupled to the ever-declining value of our currency, which has had a severe impact on our profitability, given that much of our offerings are currently based on technology acquired outside of the borders of our country,” Msane relates.
However, Related IT Connexions is not hoping for a miracle to offer solutions. As a firm believer in self-initiative, the organisation is in the process of working on the development of the local skills base, and hope to overcome this factor over time, says Msane.
He still believes that the government bodies concerned have to do their part as facilitators in making it easy for small businesses, which are often cited as ‘engines of economic growth’, to flourish. “Of course, it does not help when faced with the restrictions currently imposed on SME’s, such as many of the unreasonable procurement provisions of Government – for example, how is an SME expected to compete when faced with a requirement of proven systems deployments at multiple sites, or an insistence on a particular vendor’s technology offerings?” he wonders.
Though its ultimate objective is employing more skilled personnel, resources permitting, Related IT Connexions is currently building its capital base, says Msane.
“We are still a start-up company currently with 3 executives, namely myself, Malcolm Simpson responsible for the technical side of things, and Tumelo Msane responsible for marketing and administration. I oversee the overall business as Managing Director. We have been breaking-even and haven’t yet made profit. We have been spending a lot of resources in the designing and developing of ICT business solutions, which we intend to roll- out into specific market sectors very soon.”
As an alternative to hiring full time employees, part of Related IT Connexions’ employment strategy is to utilise final-year under-graduates as interns, imparting skills and knowledge transfer prior to their entrance into the job market. However, currently, the company has not taken on-board any interns.
As of now, the company finds using lease infrastructure provided by multiple service providers at geographically-dispersed locations more viable than purchasing.
Notwithstanding the teething problems which the Related IT Connections has been encountering, Msane says the company is “very encouraged” by business prospects. “Our future plans include expanding having already secured two clients abroad (US and Australia). We intend to grow our new business solutions offerings with different packages, including addressing the mobile device market. Our strategy also includes offering skills transfer in youth development as well as offer value-add in non-profit organisations who need assistance. We have recently donated some professional services in Shanghai, China for good cause at no charge.”
Still digesting recent statistics which revealed growing youth unemployment in the country and thinking about some of the practical ways in which this challenge can be tackled, Msane urges youth who want to be successful entrepreneurs to find successful role models they can look up to.
“No matter what industry or business you’re in, all I can say is utilise the knowledge of people who are already successful, knowledgeable and surround yourself with them and move in their circles, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can grow, no matter how small the idea is. Money issues might seem to be a stumbling block in the beginning, but rest assured if you put everything you have into it, you’ll never fail. It will be difficult at first, but don’t be afraid. Never neglect to do your best or be your best, do everything possible to reach your goals,” he says.
Whereas others are in the ICT sector believing its rich pickings, Msane’s fascination with computers can be almost said that it’s part of his DNA.
“I developed interest in technology and computers at an age. ICT’s have been my life ever since, developing a strong passion in the field of graphic design. This interest expanded to the area of content management within the organisational context, resulting in an emphasis on enterprise content management and the leveraging of such technologies to fulfil organisational objectives and goals.”
Born in Durban, Zipho is a Diplomate of the National Computer College and former Webmaster of the Department of Communications (DoC – now Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services) He worked for the DoC for 8 years before pursuing his passion for business. He has achieved significant skills in the co-management of client service imperatives, with particular focus on Service Level Agreements and the provision of procurement contracts and services. He has additionally gained extensive experience in assisting organisations with the day-to-day fulfilment of their mandates. He has more than 15 years experience in the ICT Telecoms, Marketing and Communications sector.
Related IT Connexions is based in Pretoria Menlyn, Ext 3. Its website address is www.ritconnex.co.za
