If a price tag were to be put on the determination of Jumaim, the Managing Director of South Bound Miles, a construction and cleaning services firm, it would be worth a billion rand. Naturally, someone with an eye for detail, she is committed implementing the company’s turnaround strategy.
Jumaim believes South Bound Miles has graduated from the experience of building ten houses and failing to pay suppliers due to cash flow problems to an entity determined to ensure that it manages its resources prudently. Indeed, is there a better lesson than experience?
Now wiser, after experiencing teething problems, South Bound Miles is now instituting systems so that its operations run efficiently, reveals Jumaim. “Unfortunately, our strategy has taken much longer than we did anticipate. Our business consultants have advised us to review our business plan numerous times so that it addresses relevant industry issues. Nonetheless, despite the slow pace, we are impressed with what we are seeing.”
One of South Bound Miles’ biggest hindrances to growth has been failure to secure start-up capital. “As you might be aware, the construction industry is a very capital-intensive sector. Without capital, even with a multimillion project order, you just can’t progress,” Jumaim observes.
Thanks to her inherent devotion to construction, coupled with foresight, Jumaim has navigated Southern Bound Miles through a rough patch and can notice a positive direction. “I won’t say much, but we are getting there,” she affirms.
What Jumaim also picks out as an advantage is that South Bound Miles is that under a woman who is resolute to carve a presence in what is generally considered a men’s world and “prove a point that women too can make it”.
In the medium to long term, Southern Bound Miles aims to achieve a number of objectives, which include getting new projects and securing funding.
“Once we secure funding we will be able to grow and empower youngsters.
“We are also looking forward to getting assistance from other women owned companies to work with.”
Personally, Jumaim’s experience at the company’s formative stage has opened her mind to issues she might have initially taken for granted.
She points out: “Know who you are dealing with in terms of competitors and do your full research.”
Jumaim credits her interest in construction to her upbringing where she was exposed to the industry at a tender age.
“Construction has always been part of me, I can say that it courses through my veins; its part of my DNA,” she says, adding that she is keen on becoming one of the leading women in the industry.
Also, she wants to leave a legacy amongst her children. “I want to teach my chidren about the industry so that they too can use their skills.”
Southern Bound Miles’ other shareholders are Duduzile Khambule and Nhlankanipho Ntombela, whom Jumaim describe as “very supportive people”. The company is based in Kliptown and has eight employees.
