Many business owners in the tourism sector were adversely affected by the outbreak of Covid-19 . However, there are few that didn’t let the current situation stop them.
One of those is Presley Mokotedi, an entrepreneur with a burning ambition to succeed in the tourism sector. He is the founder of Garona Communications and Projects, a company that focuses on events, exhibitions and marketing.
Growing up, his dream was to become a journalist. However, being raised in a business-oriented family, exposed Mokotedi to business. He worked in a family business and learned all the lessons of running a successful venture. Upon completing high school, he proceeded to Tshwane University of Technology where he graduated with a Diploma in
Public Relations Management, and later studied Business Management and Project Management.
Transform SA caught up with Mokotedi to find out what makes him tick.
TSA: What services do you offer to SA Tourism?
PM: We offer design, set up and breakdown of exhibition stands for Meetings Africa and for International Exhibitions.
TSA: How did your parents influence you?
PM: My parents influenced me a lot because they were also business owners. As I was growing up, I learnt a lot from them as far as running a thriving business is concerned.
TSA: Who has been your strongest influence in life?
PM: My father was my biggest influencer because he ran his business and I wanted to be like him one day. He worked hard for his family and taught me quite a lot.
TSA: How did you come up with the idea for your business?
PM: After being in the exhibition industry for quite some time, I wanted to establish one of the biggest black-owned
businesses in the industry. So, through the support of our clients, including the South African Tourism we are getting
there.
TSA: What are you most proud of accomplishing?
PM: I am grateful for operating my business for 12 years now, and for the business relationships and trust I have created with clients by delivering the best service and quality work.
TSA: What would you do differently if you had a chance?
PM: Learn to delegate more of which I have started doing recently. I have learned to have more trust in my team to deliver the quality service I would at any given time.
TSA: Describe a scene of your vision for the future.
PM: I would like to see Garona Communications and Projects growing more and more every year.
TSA: What is one of your most defining moments in life?
PM: Being a father and a husband changed my life. I was inspired to do better and to always strive for excellence in whatever that I do. I get motivated by simply seeing the well-being of my family improving, that on its own is a huge
inspiration to me.
TSA: What has been the most challenging moment in the industry?
PM: The most challenging part of our industry is the current situation of Covid19 where we aren’t able to work. We keep on hoping for the best to come.
TSA: What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?
PM: I would like to encourage anyone who would like to be an entrepreneur to really have passion for the business they would like to start. Do not ever do something because it seems easy or a quick buck because you will be stuck with it for most of the time. Another advice is to never give up on your passion and dream