Page 22 - CSERI Annual Review eBook

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
GET TO KNOW THE KING OF FIRE MR. LUNGANI NENE OF SPOT-ON FIRE CONTROLS (PTY) LTD
Q. How did the idea came about?
We are a SABS and SAQCC approved fire protection company that has over 40 years of experience in the fire protection industry. The business was started to save lives and company assets from fire related incidents.
We also wanted to educate people about the possible causes of fire and how it can be prevented.
Q. What services or products are available in your business?
We supply, install, service and repair all makes of fire protective equipment like fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, hydrants, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire pumps, water tanks. We also provide accredited basic firefighting training, and First Aid and Health and Safety training.
Q. What motivated you to join the CSERI Incubation Programme?
Before I joined the DUT CSERI, my company’s turnover was R88,152. They then supported and guided our company to make R984 057 of sales in the last financial year, ending 28/02/2022 and with their ongoing support, we are
ambitious enough to grow our revenue to over R1.2 million. Before I joined DUT CSE, I had two employees. The business has now employed 13 employees, six permanent and seven part- time.
They’ve equipped me to be an effective leader to my employees, helped me grow my network through the SEDA incubations, Cataler programme and have assisted me to come up with great strategies to grow my revenue and minimize costs.
They’ve created a safe space for me to continue to learn and grow as an entrepreneur through the trainings they provide.
They are easily accessible if I need any help or advice, they are always willing to listen and support anywhere they can. I’ve learned how to pitch my business to potential investors and clients. I’ve learned a lot about the legal obligation my company has to SARS, DOL, UIF and the importance of record keeping.
I’ve learned to understand my interpretation of numbers and financials and that has helped me to make informed decisions about the future of my business.
Q. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who wish to follow in your footsteps?
They need to build themselves up and be hungry to learn and grow their entrepreneurial skills. Anything that doesn’t grow, will eventually die. Seek advice from other entrepreneurs, feed themselves with quality news or resources that will improve their level of thinking so that they can make better business decisions.
Subscribe to good business websites like: https://store.hbr. org/articles/, https://incafrica.com/article/, https://www.forbes. com/forbes-magazine/, PWC, KPMG, Ernest and Young etc., to get more business info that can equip them in making informed decisions about the future and direction of their businesses.
Be visible and wear your company brand if you attend meetings or trainings because people must know who you are and what you stand for.
Look for ways to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and join networking events that will assist you to grow your network.
Find a reputable mentor that can hold you accountable to your actions and that you can bounce your ideas to.
Don’t be afraid to ask for business, sell yourself and your business anytime you find an opportunity to do so.
Q. How can people contact you?
Website: www.spotonfirecontrols.co.za Facebook: Lungani Nene
Facebook: Spot-On Fire Controls – Pty Ltd LinkedIn: Lungani Nene
Twitter: @Man-Lungstar Twitter: @On_Controls Instagram: @Man_Lungs
20 CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENUESHIP RAPID INCUBATOR