Following his exit from the taxi industry, Fourways resident Dallas Mathebula has turned the tables around and his story is a perfect example of going from humble beginnings to great things.
The former taxi driver showed ambition from the word go even during his days as a taxi driver. “I always wanted to be my own boss,” shared Mathebula.
Within a few years of being a driver, he managed to buy his own taxis and became a taxi owner. The violence and fights within the taxi industry forced him to exit the industry and venture into something new.
“I wanted to create a business that offered something different from what was already in the industry and that could also make a difference and benefit other community members,” said Mathebula.
With this said, Motswako (Setswana meaning of ‘the mixture’) which is a buy-and-braai (chisa nyama) was born in 2008. Mathebula started the business with his wife.
Good business ethics and rendering proper, excellent service is what he believes is making his business a success. “My business is simply growing by word of mouth. I make sure that I render quality service and products to my customers who are from different parts of Joburg,” said Mathebula.
To date, more than 20 community members of Zandspruit are employed by Motswako. “Though they are now my employees, I want to see them one day as my business partners. I want Motswako to be a global brand and not for it to be known only in Zandspruit,” shared Mathebula.
Although most most buy-and-braai places are run informally, Mathebula said he felt he needed to run his professionally. “My customers are given royal treatment. I have staff members who braai the meet for them. My staff are also in uniform so it’s easy to identify them,” added Mathebula.
One of the employees, Sisasenkosi Ndlovu shared that the employment came when she most needed it as she had been searching for years without a success. “I felt blessed when I was employed here without any work experience but today I know and possess a lot of skills including being a cashier, waitress and also a cook. I’m also able to put food on the table and provide for my family.”
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