By Mzukona Mantshontsho
HYGIENE STEP renders services in washing sneakers, trainers, heels, athlete shoes and hiking boots bsed in Pretoria, Danville Eco Estate.
Spoke to Tumelo Nong about his personal and professional journey thus fay
Tell us about your brief history
I was born in Krugersdorp, Kagiso 2, I am currently busy with Financial Management at Pretoria Technical College in pursuit of knowledge in finances and business. I did my primary in W.D. Oliphant, which was my best years of school ever, went on to complete my NSC in Krugersdorp West College and immediately after completing my NSC I moved to Tshwane where I got my first permanent job, during that I decided to do a Certificate in Microsoft office with Damelin.
What does your role mean to you?
As an Entrepreneur or an SME owner, washing sneakers is something that fulfills me personally, economically, socially and professionally, I have gained knowledge through the challenges I’ve been through or experiences I’ve encountered. I’m confident that I can bring this type of success to this field. I am confident that I am a good fit for this kind of service rendered for several reasons, but most specifically because of my dedication to going above and beyond in rendering a service. I am committed to learning any new skills and designs of sneakers, material, products, on my own to succeed in this field or business venture.
What is important for your sucessful leadership
Knowledge from failure. Time is my most valuable resource, effective communication, a vision for the future, creativity and innovation, teamwork, developed strategy, being goal-oriented and responsible.
What can we expect from you going forward?
While there is no magic formula for being a successful entrepreneur, those who do succeed I believe they have mastered a certain set of skills such as good and effective communication, so going forward you can expect to hear more about Hygienestep and its services, contribution to the community and developments, creation of employment through delegating responsibilities. I intend to become good at selling both myself and Hygienestep, the services I render. I am at a stage where I’m eager to learn, grow and be flexible.
What do you say to young people about starting small businesses?
Be strong, work hard, never give up, step up. Recognise your strengths and weaknesses. Start with a simple business plan and grow it as needed.
What business lessons can we learn from Covid-19?
Covid-19 and its regulatory demands such as social distancing restrictions and health and economic driven demands have caused many SMEs and Entrepreneurial ventures to shutter. The wide-spread closing of stores and business in SA was severe and cost the country a lot including loss of jobs, cutting off of salaries. Although through the midst of it all those who lost their jobs today are successful SMEs Entrepreneurs and create jobs to many and are still continuing to grow and better themselves. As SMEs we lost a lot of time and profit yet we are coming out strong and moving forward.
What Legacy do you want to leave behind when you retire?
Well, here’s how I will put a stamp on the future and make a contribution to future generations. I want Hygienestep to continue to provide job opportunities to South Africa citizens, take care of my family and kids and teach them how to run it so that they can carry on with the legacy. There should be a good story to tell about Hygiene Step and its contribution to the country even after my retirement. Will I retire!
Through the taxes paid by SMEs the money should go to community improvements such as schools, green space, public transit, and health.
What have been your highs and lows in your working career?
My highs would be, given an opportunity to gain experience within the field of finance, working with a variety of people and team work because the plan is to pursue a career in Forensic Accounting and I hope for the best. As for my lows, GDP has increased although the salary is still the same.
When you not at work, what do you get up to, and where can people find you online?
I’m home washing sneakers/trainers/athletes shoes/Heels/Soccer boots/PPE boots. Based in Pretoria/Danville Eco Estate and West Rand/Kagiso 2/Riverside. People can follow me on social media platforms,
Twitter – @HYGNSTP.
Instagram – @hygiene_step
