Meet handyman, Muaki Mbalati (41), who is the founder and Director of Fumba Sons General Trading.
Launched in 2021, his company has gone a long way in creating job opportunities, keeping homes looking great and putting smiles on many faces.
What services does Fumba Sons General Trading offer?
“Our range of services include general home maintenance like fixing doors, locks and windows, putting up rails, welding of palisade fencing, painting houses, carpentry, roofing, tiling and carpeting. We also do planting of flowers, garden design and maintenance as well as construction of swimming pools. In addition, we carry out mechanical work, including fixing of lawnmowers. Our services extend to remodelling of properties, including turning a single story into a double story house. We outsource a licenced wireman to carry out a variety of work, including maintenance and installation of wiring.”
Where do you offer your services?
“We provide our services throughout Gauteng.”
What are your qualifications?
“I hold a National Certificate: N3 Building and Civil Technologies and a National Certificate: N4 Mechanical Engineering from South West Gauteng College.”
Why did you decide to open your own company?
“I liked how it gave me the opportunity to impart my services and employ others, so empowering them and their families.”
What do you most enjoy about running Fumba Sons General Trading?
“I love seeing the happiness on clients’ faces after doing work for them. I always make sure we go the extra mile. This helps to ensure they never forget us and refer us to others.”
What are some challenges you face?
“There are some months where there is a scarcity of work. This has led us to not having the budget to advertise our services.”
Why did you decide to follow this career path?
“I realised that there weren’t many handymen and saw a gap in the market. I wanted to go into a career that wasn’t saturated and that would be needed for the rest of my life. I also liked enabling people to relax by taking care of their home maintenance issues.”
What is one of your most memorable moments?
“Fixing a house for kids and their granny free of charge. They were ecstatic! We also actioned our idea of having a glass window between the receptionist and patients at Lenasia South Clinic a few years before COVID made this common practice in clinics.”
How do you charge your clients?
“I charge according to the scope of work needed. With flooring, painting and carpentry, I charge per a square metre.”
