Ntebatse Makhura, the founder and director of Temoso Trading and Projects 72 (Pty) Ltd., is proud that her organisation has established itself as a provider of turnkey solutions convenience under one roof. The company specialises in construction, cleaning, transportation of goods and electrical services.
Some of the services like construction, which includes plastering and plastering, as well as carpentry and joint sealing, and can be offered on customers’ request, says Makhura, 37. “We are mainly into cleaning services, transportation and electrical works.”
Based in Diepsloot, Soweto, Temoso’s cleaning services cover Offices, Driveways, Shopping Malls, Residential areas and Industries. The scope its electrical services is Tubing, Wiring, Installation and Maintenance. Its transportation services cover collections, deliveries and removals.
Makhura believes the courses she did have contributed to her ability to manage Temoso well despite challenges. She holds three diplomas from Boston Business College in three areas: Office Assistant, Computer Clerk and Receptionist. She also has a Certificate for National Call Centre Agent from World Outsource and an Assessor’s Certificate with SETA.
Despite being in existence for ten years, Temoso still struggles to access capital, Makhura reveals. This has hindered growth, as the company has been forced to put on hold some projects from clients due to lack of resources.
Recounting one instance, Makhura says: “We were subcontracted to do electrical work for Presto Electrical, Group 5’s contractor in the past three months. The work was going on well until we hit a snag due to capital constraints. I had do drain my personal resources, my husband also came to my rescue, to ensure that we acquire the right machinery to get the work finished. We did have a similar experience when we were working on cleaning contract for McDevelopment Property in Bedfordview. Though we have finished the job to the client’s satisfaction, I do foresee similar challenges, even more complex, arising if a big client gives us a contract.”
It is not by default that Makhura is into cleaning services. She is very passionate about hygiene matters and highly values her employees who work as cleaners. She believes they deserve more recognition than they get.
“Most people don’t think Hygiene Controllers (Cleaners) are very important more than other qualified people in the world. I call them hygiene controllers not just cleaners because they’re really controlling Hygiene. Imagine the public toilets without hygiene controllers, dirty offices, no client will like to visit that places anymore, Hospitals without them will be disaster especially if we can talk about germs, bacteria’s, you name them.”
Makhura says the value that Temoso places on employees is reflected in the high quality of service provided to clients. The company employs twelve people in the Electrical department, 6 of whom are qualified electricians and other 6 are their assistants (general workers), and twelve hygiene controllers.
Temoso is looking at expanding its services into other areas. Having seen the growing demand for accommodation in Diepsloot, Makhura says the company aims to expand into property development.
“My township is overpopulated and decent accommodation is becoming scarce. More people are coming from different provinces and also neighbouring countries. I am planning to find plots where I can build structures for rental,” she says.
Makhura tells young people who want to venture into construction to develop real passion for the industry and not fleeting interest driven by money.
She says: “Construction needs hard work, prepare yourself for challenges, fun, personal growth and just be yourself. Connect with people who know more about construction.
“Make sure you learn something new every. Get more information. Take every piece of advice seriously because some will be helpful at some point. I know we all want money but don’t rush into money. Believe in yourself and never give up. Prayer is the key in every step you take.
“Most importantly, never quit no matter how bad things may seem to get. If it’s not working then make it to work.”
Good job cc Ntebatse you have done a great job may God be with you all the way all da best cc