Daisy Maseko established Mancamane Trading in 2012 after she identified a gap in the market of supplying Personal Protective Equipment, signage and stationery to the mining sector. Although Daisy is not originally from this sector she did thorough research into the opportunity and over 8 years, has built the business to supply the GE group, as well as clients as far afield as Botswana, Mozambique and Nambia. Mancamane employs 45 staff members.
Daisy Maseko, Managing Director
It takes courage to open a business in an area where you don’t have experience, but you have identified an opportunity. This is just what Daisy Maseko did when she opened Mancamane Trading, supplying Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to the mining sector in Mpumalanga.
‘I knew there was an opportunity to supply the local mines and, in the process, employ local people,’ Daisy says, thinking back to when she started the business over 8 years ago. ‘I did a lot of research before embarking on this business. I am so happy and proud that it paid off!’
Situated in the small town of Delmas, Mancamane now services both local customers and customers in Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia. The range of products has expanded from PPE to include signage and stationery, and Mancamane has been supplying the GE group for almost 4 years.
‘When we heard of the Londvolota opportunity we jumped to apply for funding,’ exclaims Daisy. Londvolota’s investment enabled Mancamane to buy the latest signage equipment for their printing and signage department. ‘Thanks to the equipment we bought, we were able to produce greater volumes of products, and we saved on overtime costs on our payroll. We were also able to take on more customers.’
The signage includes items such as danger signs, stop signs and the like, used by the mines for their operations. It adds to their product and service range which also includes maintenance and cleaning services.
But most importantly, Mancamane’s staff complement grew to 45 employees, as they employed more general workers and an Operations Manager, and existing employees gained the skills of operating the new printing equipment.
Daisy herself benefited from going on a programme run by Londvolota.’When I started Mancamane I had lots of passion and I had done my homework, but when I think back it was a very bold leap! I didn’t have all the business skills that I needed to make the business grow. I am grateful that as a result of the skills programme I attended through Londvolota, I was able to better understand the financial and marketing aspects of my business which improved my decision-making abilities with regards to Mancamane. It really stretched me.’
Having the latest technology that enhanced productivity was particularly valuable during the COVID-19 crisis. Daisy explains, ‘Our business has been blessed in the sense that we supply items that were essential during the lockdown period, namely the PPE. We are very fortunate in that regard.’
Their good fortune is something that Daisy is adamant gets passed on to benefit the community. Mancamane supports a number of outreach programmes. To boost local employment and economic prospects in Delmas, Daisy and her team are passionate about assisting people in the community to start their own business be it through a donation or knowledge shared. They also provide groceries on a monthly basis to one of the local old age homes. Other charitable activities include promoting youth and cultural development by donating clothing and printing services to a local group of young singers/ songwriters.
‘Our success is because of our people,’ Daisy is adamant, ‘and that gives us the responsibility to help others be successful.’ She looks over to the yard where their stock is stored. ‘We are happy with what we have achieved so far, but there is a still a long way to go.’
NEW EMPLOYEES
NEW CLIENTS
INCREASE IN BUSINESS SCOPE
Kriel Occupational Health and Wellness Centre