Just over two years ago, Thabiso Sechele and Tshepo Sechele, both 26, decided to forego the arduous task of screening newspaper classified sections for job opportunities, which were becoming scarce in a slow economy, to establish their own business, Big Gama Communications. Their belief was that the business, once successful, would generate employment for their contemporaries. Tshepo Sechele is Gama Communications’ Enterprise Development Director while Thabiso Sechele is the Public Relations and Marketing Director.
Based in Vaal Triangle in a township called Bophelong, which is close to Vanderbijlpark, Big Gama provides integrated marketing communication to artists which include (but not limited to) public relations, promotions and digital media. Its service offering includes artist management, events management and photography.
Big Gama’s core business mandate is to help local artists succeed in the entertainment industry, more especially those in performance arts such as dance, music, modeling and acting.
“We saw the need for us to start this business because we realised that a lot of artists were giving up their dreams for menial jobs, which condemns them to hopelessness.
“We then thought of way to assist them to be stars and make a living out of their talents,” narrates Tshepo Sechele.
It is essential for artists to have assign somebody to do integrated marketing communication services for them behind the scenes without compromising their creativity and craft, expands Thabiso.
With time, Big Gama realised that the entertainment industry was constantly evolving, opening more opportunities, then decided to add complimentary services like event management and photography to its services portfolio.
Big Gama is significantly growing. However, in a familiar refrain other small business have confided to Transform SA Online, the organisation is constrained by lack of or insufficient funds and could do much better with some assistance, which, presently, is not easily accessible. To address this, one partner who is employed with another organisation has to sacrifice his salary to support the business where possible. But this is not sustainable in the long term as the business needs full time commitment to and as the partner cannot keep bailing out the business all the time as he has personal obligations as well.
Even so, Thabiso says what keeps the light of hope aflame is that Gama Communications meets all the legal requirements. “We are registered with CIPC and SARS for tax purposes, which are one of the basic things financiers consider when disbursing funds.”
What Tshepo points out as the company’s other edge is its location in a township where artists “hustle” daily on the ground and is part of its daily life. “We pride ourselves in providing accurate information and assistance as professionally as we possibly can.”
Moreover, Thabiso calls attention to the enthusiasm and passion that the company has for artist development, a trait which is rarely noticed amongst competitors. “Our vigor drives us to implement projects professionally to their logical conclusion.”
Whereas it has noticed the increasing youth joblessness figures from Stats SA, Big Gama is not at a stage where it can formally employ staff as it is still assembling vital resources, says Tshepo. “In due course, hopefully soon, with the level of growth we have envisaged, we will be able to employ freelancers and permanent staff members.”
Financial resources, the soon they are secured, will be invested in the purchase of equipment to deliver quality services to artists and clients. “Once artists are contented, our reputation will grow and we will get more business through referrals. Also, we would like to host big and unique events in the near future,” says Thabiso.
The young entrepreneurs are encouraging their contemporaries to start their own businesses in which ever field they are passionate about, as the economy can no longer generate sufficient jobs for thousands of graduates that are produced annually. Nevertheless, they caution would-be entrepreneurs to tolerate hardships as they pursue success.
“Hardwork, focus and drive are ingredients for success in any business. Don’t contemplate much, act on something if you firmly believe in its success,” they stress in unison.
The professional training they underwent enables them to comprehend complicated business issues better and manage Gama Communications from an informed position. Tshepo Sechele holds a National Diplomain Internal Auditing as well as AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, while Thabiso Sechele is studying toward a National Diploma in Public Relations Management qualification.
Cognisant that ways of doing business are continuously evolving, Thabiso and Tshepo are always attending continued professional development training courses, when they find time. Some of the workshops/conferences/trainings they have attended include Industry related trainings with Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), MediaTech Africa 2015 and National SMME Policy Colloquium.
Tshepo Sechele received an award for Best Youth in the Sedibeng District Mayoral Awards, in recognition of his drive.
In such able hands, it’s a matter of time Gama Communications successfully unearths the new Trevor Noah from Bophelong township and export him to Hollywood. Who knows?
Information compiled by Zinhle Motsepa, edited by Transform SA Online Editor
Very inspiring article!!! keep up the good work
The big gama company is one of most that keeps me inspire to do more and never give up on any of my dreams no matter what..i just wish for them to people who could just lay a helping hand with finance towards their company..and sad on that,i know and believe alot of youth out the sitting at home, doin drugs, would be safed. And the mothers out crying for help towards their children.they will see enjoy in their hearts