Catching up with entrepreneur and business leader, Isaac Mbatha
|Published
Many businesses are in the planning stages and looking ahead to 2023. We cannot deny that 2022 has been a difficult year, particularly for small businesses. Coming out of the Covid pandemic and facing even greater loadshedding challenges.
The number of businesses that have closed due to a lack of resources to deal with loadshedding is disheartening. Many businesses rely on electricity to grow and generate revenue.
Sky Tents SA, a tent maker and wholesaler in Durban, is one of many businesses that rely on electricity to manufacture and generate revenue.
GQ had a chat with CEO and Forbes Under 30 honouree Isaac Mbatha about his challenges and prospects for 2023.
GQ: Tell us about your company and what you do?
Issac Mbatha: Sky Tents is a tent manufacturer and wholesaler, offering a wide range of tents such as party tents, wedding tents, stretch tents, dome tents, jumping castles, tables and chairs, draping, At sky tents, we are able to custom design any tent for you.
Our superior tents are manufactured using the highest quality material. We pride ourselves in our manufacturing process to ensure that customers always receive the best quality tents, as well as reasonable prices. We offer affordable prices, and the quality of our tents is of the highest standards. At sky tents, we do not comprise the quality of the goods supplied to our customers.
GQ: What obstacles have you encountered in the past year, and how have you overcome them?
IM: There are always obstacles in manufacturing, such as new market challenges, new products, new branches, and competition. However, at Sky Tents, we concentrate on what we do best and do not allow the noise to distract us from our main goal. Covid 19 had an impact on many businesses, and at the time, what kept us going was focusing on supplying products to medical institutions - for testing points and other locations in and around South Africa.
Loadshedding is a major concern, but I believe that over the years, we've had to be very resilient in the face of many challenges, so when loadshedding occurred, we sat down as a team and found ways to work through it. Resilience has been the most important factor in our company's survival thus far.
GQ: Despite the effects of Covid-19 and Loadshedding on the South African economy, how hopeful are your about your business prospects for 2023?
IM: Very optimistic; I feel that South Africans, as a whole, have a high level of resiliency; furthermore, as company owners, we are constantly confronted with new problems; so, looking ahead to 2023, I believe that it will be a successful year for the industry
GQ: Do you anticipate your business to survive 2023, and what are the greatest concerns/obstacles you anticipate it will encounter in 2023?
IM: We've seen a number of small businesses close up shop as a result of a lack of resources to address the electricity situation, and it does not appear that the government is aiding these companies in any way.
Loadshedding is the most significant concern, particularly for small enterprises. It's possible that we, as members of the private sector, can come together and figure out ways to help each other.
GQ: Do you believe government support to be sufficient for Businesses in SA?
IM: As was mentioned in the introduction, Sincerity compels me to admit that, judging by the number of companies that have gone out of business, it is quite evident that the government is not providing the necessary support that is required.
I mean, we seen this first-hand during the COVID outbreak, when the government failed to provide assistance to businesses and a large number of workers were laid off or had their duties reduced. It is absolutely necessary for the Government to begin providing assistance to businesses in South Africa.
GQ: Within the next five years, where do you see the manufacturing business?
IM: We anticipate that within the next five years, Sky Tent will become one of South Africa's most successful manufacturing companies. Our efforts have also been focused on expanding our reach into the African market and developing employment opportunities in a country where this is a significant area of concern. We are going to make the market more accessible to young people and encourage their participation.
GQ: What is your most important objective for the year 2023?
IM: We are expanding our reach while also introducing new products into the businesses. In the year 2023, we are also considering providing guidance and assistance to young individuals who are entering the business world.
GQ: What advice do you have for young people like yourself who own and run businesses in South Africa, especially given the current challenges?
IM: Always keep in mind where you began, why you began, and the destination you have in mind for the future. When you make the decision to establish a business, regardless of the difficulties you may face, you should always keep in mind why you did so and what you hope to achieve. Entrepreneurship is challenging but with so many possibilities.