Page 22 - CSERI Annual Review 2022-2023

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
FROM RETRENCHMENT TO RESILIENCE:
THE STORY OF ISIHLONTI ENTERPRISE
In the world of entrepreneurship, the journey is often characterized by ups and downs, challenges, and triumphs. For Vusi Mbatha, the founder of Isihlonti Enterprise, his
entrepreneurial path has been a rollercoaster ride, but one that has ultimately led him to success in the construction industry. In this exclusive interview, Vusi shares the story of his company, its services, and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.
Isihlonti Enterprise: Building Dreams
Isihlonti Enterprise, a South African-based company, is making waves in the construction industry, specializing in painting and interior design. But the road to success wasn’t always paved with gold for Vusi and his team. In fact, his journey began in the early 1990s when he and a group of friends ventured into the world of money lending. Unfortunately, their initial foray into entrepreneurship was short-lived, primarily due to a lack of proper mechanisms for collecting debts.
However, Vusi’s resilience and determination pushed him forward. In 2006, he embarked on a new venture, partnering with two other companies to supply commodities to businesses in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. While this partnership initially held
promise, it eventually soured, forcing Vusi to rethink his path yet again.
It was in 2017 that Isihlonti Enterprise was born. After being retrenched by MTN, Vusi decided to leverage his experience in construction to establish his own company. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey.
Diverse Services, One Vision
Isihlonti Enterprise offers a range of services, reflecting Vusi’s varied entrepreneurial experiences. The company specializes in painting and interior design, bringing a touch of elegance to both residential and commercial spaces. Additionally, they excel in branding and signage, helping businesses leave a lasting impression. Moreover, Isihlonti provides office, stationery, and furniture supplies, catering to the diverse needs of its clients.
A Lesson in Entrepreneurship: DUT Centre for Social Entrepreneurship
Vusi attributes part of his success to the guidance he received from the DUT Centre for Social Entrepreneurship (CSE). The center helped him broaden his horizons, transforming his venture into a fully compliant, systematized company.
20 CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP RAPID INCUBATOR