James lives his dream
INNOVATION is the essence keeping IT guru and businessman James Matshubeng’s company buoyant.
He says re-inventing solutions is key in order to survive in the highly competitive information, communication and technology (ICT) business space.
Matshubeng (33) is the founder, owner and MD of five-year-old Matoto Technologies which is based in Midrand, north of Joburg.
He started his business on a part-time basis 10 years ago while working for banks and other corporates.
From the time I was at tertiary, I was determined to become my own boss in 10 years. Fortunately, my work gave me an opportunity to meet clients and recommend solutions,” Matshubeng said.
It was at that point when I realised the opportunity to do it for myself.”
He funded the company from his personal savings and was fortunate to sign his first service level agreement (SLA) while still employed.
I spent weekends and nights developing websites for small companies to boost cash flow, thereafter the business started to make money,” he said.
The IT guru says his clients vary from private individuals to small and medium businesses in need of solutions.
As an external IT service provider, we effectively deliver ITenabled business process, application services and infrastructure solutions to assist businesses with their outcomes.”
He says when he founded his entity multitasking as a finance, sales and HR director, due to a lack of funds to fill the positions, it was a big challenge.
But with experience gained over the years, and the assistance from my IT-savvy staff, I now delegate while I focus on growing the company.
Matoto Technologies has four full-time technical staff members and two part-time administration and marketing staff.
I frequently outsource big networking and computer cabling jobs. We maximise efficiency and exceed service level performance regardless of where our customers are located,” he said.
His clients include Peu Communications, the producers of the SABC1’s Skeem Saam, Impande Holdings, responsible for revamping classrooms for ITreadiness in schools, and Umkhaya LTSM, the stationary providers to schools.
So now with an annual turnover of R1.3-million compared to R300 000 two years go, Matshubeng has set himself a fiveyear target.
Our vision is to have remote offices in all the provinces, employ as many youngsters as possible to alleviate unemployment,” Matshubeng said.
Matshubeng holds a national diploma in electrical engineering from Tshwane University of Technology and a diploma in IT from the University of Johannesburg. He has completed IBM, Dell and HP’s hardware certifications.
He won the Sage One Small Business award last year.