By Agreement Mabunda
GA-SEKORORO-They usually say wealth tends to create more wealth and that to succeed quicker in business, one has to come from a well-off family or financial background.
But serial entrepreneur Taposa George Komana (70) from Makgaung Village, Ga-Sekororo in Maruleng municipality has proven that having a rich background is not the only way to the top.
Komana emerged from humble beginnings to own multiple businesses which has not only changed his life but brought hope to the hundreds of people who have found employment at his companies.
He is a classical reminder that through determination, hard work and willingness to succeed, anyone can overcome their circumstances to achieve great things in life.
Tzaneen voice speaks to him about the secret behind the success of his entrepreneurial journey.
Even in those difficult times of apartheid, Komana believed education is the key to success.
He is a product of Makgaung Primary School and Ramatau High School. He then went on to Ambag Trade School in Maake, which is now Letaba TVET College, Maake Campus, to pursue building construction qualification.
Just like everyone at that time we went to Johannesburg to look for a better life, he did part-time employment after completing his study until he was hired in 1973 at Davy Contractors in Gauteng.
After working for over 14 years he decided to return home in 1987 and launched his own building company, Taola Construction. When things began to go well for him, he launched Mamoroko retail store, his first supermarket, in 1988 which opened doors for many business ventures.
Some of the businesses that are currently operating are: Masekane Restaurant and Butchery (founded in 1990) in The Oaks Village, Ga-Mametja. Sello Farming, fresh produce and animal farming (formed in 1992) headquartered in Trichardtsdal, Enable Shop, a retail store (created in 1992) based at Ga-Fanie, Ga-Sekororo, and Sello Supermarket (founded in 1993) based in Madeira Village, Ga-Sekororo, Taposa Bakery, which was founded in 1997 and has locations in Metz, The Oaks, Acornhoek, Mothapo, and Rita, Taposa Service Station, also known as Taps Fuel, which opened two locations in Metz and Mokolo in 2004, Taposa Cash and Carry in 2004 and Taposa Stell in 2017, all of which are based in Acornhoek.
Komana had the notion to start these companies to make it simpler for residents of his neighbourhood to meet their needs.
“I observed the rivals, such as bakeries that delivered bread after three days, and I saw a chance to start one so that customers could occasionally receive fresh bread. I used to travel more than 20 kilometres to a fueling station before realizing the necessity for one,” the man remarked” he said
Komana experienced the toughest hardships in discovering who he was, yet giving up was never an option. To ensure he did not get any government support, grants, or subsidies, he continued to work hard and dedicate himself.
Komana takes the most pride in its accomplishments in the fields of filling stations and bakeries.
Growing and expanding to have additional gas stations, bakeries, and supermarkets spread out is one of Komana’s main ambitions because he also thinks that growth is a motto.
The happily married Komana has worked hard towards the success of his businesses and one of the many benefits of this is that in turn his hard work has allowed him to give his children the opportunity to enrich their careers and gain experience in their field during their studies.
“My sons interned in the workshop and construction belonging to him. While my daughters are in Finance, Human Resources, Health and Safety, Hospitality and Project Management all had opportunities to immerse themselves in those departments during the duration of their studies. With regard to their current role, his current focus is teaching them the fundamentals of Business Administration and Governance, those are the most important skills when it comes to legacy continuation” he explained
Komana ends by offering this motivational advice: “Be patient, ask for advice because success doesn’t come in a day. Work hard, and believe in God because he will never leave nor forsake you
