Consinivia Mamabolo’s experience in sales and training pushed her to start her own events organising and training company. Speaking to Transform SA, Mamabolo lets us in on how she saw her retrenchment during Covid-19 as an opportunity to start her own business.
Introduce yourself and tell us about your background as an entrepreneur?
My name is Consinivia Mamabolo, and I am the founder and Managing Director of Mathema Conferencing and Training (Pty) Ltd. My entrepreneurial journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020 and became fully operational in 2021. At the time, I was at home with no income, relying only on the commission I had earned from my previous job. Life was particularly challenging as I was expecting my first child. After giving birth, my husband and I sat down and decided to formally register a company, drawing from my prior experience in sales, marketing, and training coordination.
What kind of business do you run, when did you start this business, and what are its main products or services?
We specialize in organising and delivering high-quality conferences and professional training sessions across Southern Africa. Our services cater to both the public and private sectors, covering areas such as leadership development, compliance, governance, customer service, and sector-specific workshops tailored to various industries.
Why did you choose to venture into the industry that you are in, and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I chose this industry because I had a solid background in sales and training from my previous roles, and I understood the value of capacity-building in organizations. What I enjoy most is seeing the transformation and empowerment that comes when professionals gain new skills and knowledge.
What are some of the challenges you have encountered throughout your journey?
Starting out was very difficult. I had limited resources and often worked alone, with my husband,who is also the director, helping out when he could. I faced moments of doubt and discouragement, especially during seasons when clients had no budgets or when tenders were awarded based on connections rather than merit. We’ve also experienced setbacks such as being misled by individuals promising funding or learnerships.
How many employees has your business employed thus far?
Since 2021, we have employed 10 people. As a seasonal business, we face the challenge of sustaining salaries during off-peak periods, but we remain committed to supporting our team as best we can.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs in your field who want to improve their business?
Stay consistent, be open to learning, and build genuine relationships. The industry is competitive, and rejection is part of the journey, but don’t take it personally. Always deliver quality, and your work will speak for itself. Most importantly, never give up, even when it gets tough.
Can you share a success story or achievement related to your business?
One of our proudest moments was successfully expanding our services beyond South Africa to neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, eSwatini, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
How do you intend on growing your business, and what is the end goal for you?
We aim to grow by securing more corporate and government partnerships, expanding our digital training offerings, and acquiring accreditations that allow us to offer certified programs. The end goal is to become one of Southern Africa’s leading providers of professional development solutions.