Anglo American Platinum Limited |
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Case studies
Developing entrepreneurs
An employee from Tshwane Engineering and Hydraulic Supplies, a 100% black-owned engineering company based in Burgersfort, Limpopo
Sheila Ditsele taught high school science for many years, until the onset of an illness that left her incapable of speaking for a prolonged period. Unable to teach, she found alternative employment as a supervisor in an industrial cleaning company.
Sheila made a rapid transition from classroom to management, and so impressed a manager at a client company that he suggested she go into business for herself.
"That is impossible. You have to be rich to have your own business," was her reaction. However, he persuaded her otherwise and she registered her company, Lerumo la Basadi cleaning services, in 2005.
In the beginning, Sheila did everything herself, recruiting and supervising labour, resolving human resources issues and marketing her services to potential clients in the region. Since those early days, Lerumo la Basadi, which means "Spear of the Woman", has won long-term contracts to clean offices and change-houses, and to provide laundry services to Anglo American Platinum Limited , Pilanesburg Platinum Mine and the Anglo Zimele Small Business Hub office situated in Rustenburg.
Sheila has 17 permanent employees and also uses the services of up to 40 contractors to clean before and after special events, which include soccer games at the 46,000-seat Royal Bafokeng Stadium. She is excited about what her association with this venue might bring during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
This true entrepreneur is extremely grateful to all the people who have helped her along the way, and is thankful for the assistance she has received from the Anglo American Platinum Limited Small Business Hub. The unit not only provided her with a loan through the Anglo Zimele Communities Fund to purchase a vehicle and protective gear for her staff, but has also been a regular source of input and advice.
Sheila's vision for her company is one of continuous growth, and one she plans to realise in tandem with her relentless commitment to community upliftment and development through job creation.
"I must make a difference," she states with her usual conviction.
