Can-do attitude triggers success

SOWETO entrepreneurs Tebogo Phiri and Solomon Leshabane have worked hard to put their respective businesses on the map.

Both men started with a dream to be successful business owners and, with dedication and perseverance, they are today owners of thriving pubs.

Tebogo Phiri, founder and owner of Disoufeng Pub in Dobsonville, Soweto, believes that passion is one of the most important qualities when starting one’s own business.

Phiri’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through at a very young age as he did odd jobs, selling popcorn in high school and assisting a vegetable vendor in exchange for leftover vegetables, all in order to help his single-parent mother.

Five years ago, at a pivotal point in a very promising career, this family man made a life-changing decision. “I had just been promoted from sales executive to branch manager at Volkswagen, but still felt I was not reaching my full potential. I decided to quit my job and pursue my dream of owning a successful pub.”

Phiri soon learnt about the many challenges involved in running a business. “Funding is the main problem,” he says. “Because Disoufeng Pub is near a shopping complex, the rent is very high and the competition is stiff.”

Despite the challenges, his passion meant that he was already making a success of his business when Can Do! came on board and allowed him to take his business to the next level.

“Over the past two-and-ahalf years, I have received sponsorship, my revenue has increased, and I have gained publicity and recognition, even from big brands such as SAB Miller,” says Phiri.

His next goal is to work towards owning his own premises.

Another self-made businessman inspired by his mother, is Solomon Leshabane, owner of Tsalanang Pub.

Originally from Limpopo, Leshabane worked as a waiter in his mother’s shebeen in his early years. He believes this experience gave him all the foundations he needed to become a successful entrepreneur.

“I learnt so much from my mother while working for her; she taught me that hard work pays off and she gave me a keen sense for business at a very young age,” says Leshabane. In April 2006 Tsalanang Pub officially opened in Bramfischerville, Soweto, and his dream became a reality.

Like Phiri, Leshabane faced many challenges along the way and is grateful for the opportunity provided to take his business to the next level. Part of this support is hosting events at Tsalanang Pub.

“We hosted the Can Do! Turn Up Tour event last October and it was a huge success, ” says Leshabane. “Since the event my revenue has increased and I have a larger customer base that I never thought I could reach.”

Alexandra Bouwer, marketing manager of Nampak Bevcan’s Can Do! brand, is pleased with the successes of Phiri, Leshabane and others like them, and feels the benefit is mutual.

“Without our hard-working partners in and around the communities, we would not be what we are right now.”