KZN firm, Siyakha Consulting today, 6 August 2012, launched the Aviation Co-ordination Services’ (ACS) Enterprise Development Programme, at a breakfast held at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“The ACS’ Enterprise Development Programme encourages businesses to be independent and ensures that SMMEs are equipped with the right tools to drive their own growth and sustainability,” says the ACS’ Chief Executive Officer, Juan van Rensburg.
“We have invested our enterprise development budget into eight KwaZulu-Natal and eight Eastern Cape-based SMMEs, with the aim of making a significant contribution to economic development in these regions,” he adds.
Siyakha Consulting manages the 12-month incubation programme on behalf of ACS. “Our work in development allows us to work with a wide range of SMMEs from varying industries, however it is the commitment of our customers that allows us to deliver projects of this nature and we are proud to be given the opportunity to work with ACS on this programme,” says Dionne Kerr, COO of Siyakha Consulting.
“Its objective is to maximise the growth of small businesses, to ensure that they become more viable business entities and sustainable market players,” she adds.
Each business is provided with a tailored 12-month development plan, based on the outcomes of their needs analysis. Siyakha Consulting then provides continuous training and mentoring, onsite business coaching and mentorship in a combination of accredited training and specific industry-related experts. “In short, our focus is to provide a prime platform for the SMME to reach its full potential,” says Kerr.
Port Elizabeth, Sherwood-based Nzoe Projects CC, one of the selected SMMEs from Port Elizabeth, was started in 2011 by husband and wife team, Zolani and Gwen Wolela. The idea sparked in 2010 to when they purchased a property to rent out in Motherwell.
After the property was registered the couple did minor renovations themselves including painting the interior walls and doors, changing locks, pressure cleaning and painting the roof.
“We then asked the bank to value the property and it had increased in value by approximately 30%. As we only spent 5% of the value on renovations we realised that if people understand the value added by maintaining a property, they will take better care of them,” says Zolani.
At that stage Zolani worked fulltime as a civil engineering technician. They worked on private projects over weekends, but soon realised that the business needed their full attention. “I resigned to focus on the business fulltime, while Gwen still works as an attorney,” he says.
“We officially launched the company when we realised that there is a great demand for wall and roof painting services and that there is huge potential for a construction company for general building and civil engineering projects.
“We are determined to gradually increase the entity’s capacity from building and road maintenance, to gaining the necessary skills and being registered with all relevant construction institutions. We have already had the honour of working on projects like the proposed Route 67 Art Journey in the CBD. Our employees have wealth of experience and we place a high emphasis on quality and professional services” says Zolani.
“It is a great opportunity for the company to be part of the ACS’ enterprise development programme, as it is a structured mentorship programme which the company needs at this stage. There are prospects for growth and exposure,” he adds.
Siyakha Consulting will focus its assistance on personal development for the entrepreneur such as financial management skills, business communications and management skills and the coaching process will work with this dynamic team to support their growth.
“The plans and the dreams we have for the business as well as the support I get from my wife keeps me motivated,” he concludes.
Author: Allison Cooper
Website: http://www.allycats.co.za
