Being the first black woman to own an Auto Electrical Business in Mpumalanga, Gabisile Octavia Ndlovu, born Mashilwana learned that it takes time to break into the market.
The 31 year old is the Managing Director of Excserpro (Pty) Ltd (an acronym for Excellent Service Providers) established her business in 2015, but started to operate in 2016.
“When I started the business I had zero management skills and had to register for business management through GS College,” said the mother of two children who is also a SEDA ambassador.
Gabisile was later joined by Biona Mutamira who is the Technical Director for the company.
Mutamira has more than 20 years Auto Electrical experience and she thanked him for helping her to turn around the company. Excserpro offers Auto Electrical and Remanufacturing Services.
Gabisile also thanked her husband Mr Humphrey Ndlovu whom she refers as her pillar throughout the journey.
According to her, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) assisted the start-up with setting up a website and empowered them with business skills such as accounting and finance. She also attended the Sasol Siyazenzela Youth Business Programme and won an award for the most improved business pitch.
Ndlovu also holds an SAB Kickstart Programme award for up and coming business, with R15 000 cash prize.
The business also received a grant of R100 000 to buy equipment from Sasol.
Her short term goal is to comply with all motor industry bodies. Medium term goal is to be ISO certified and long term company goal includes owning a workshop with three departments, which is repair, re-manufacturing and spares.
Her message to the youth: “Do not give up, keep pressing hard and believe that your breakthrough is coming.” The company is based in Evander.
