07 Jul 2024

In 2017, 36-year-old Mr Bakang Pule of Gabane village found himself stranded with a flat tyre and nowhere to patch it.

The closest option was in Mogoditshane, several kilometres away. This inconvenience sparked an entrepreneurial journey, to bring a much-needed service closer to his community.

What began as a small personal challenge soon evolved into a thriving business venture in Gabane. Drawing on his prior experience working for a tyre services company in Ghanzi, Mr Pule recognised the dual benefits of addressing a local need while creating employment opportunities.

Motivated by this vision, he reached out to the Department of Youth to inquire about funding, laying the groundwork for what would become a significant contribution to his community. “They were impressed with my idea,” Mr Pule recalls.

He remained patient and persistent, constantly checking for funding opportunities with the youth department. When an opportunity finally arose, he wasted no time in pitching his idea. Out of the two applications in his category, his proposal was selected and he received a grant of P100 000 half grant, half loan.

With funding secured, Mr Pule set about transforming his idea into a tangible business, bringing tyre services to the doorstep of Gabane residents. His new venture, Tyre Tech Gabane, quickly became a community staple.

As he worked hard to establish his business, his passion for tyres and commitment to serving his community propelled him forward.

In April 2019, Mr Pule’s vision finally came to life as his tyre service business opened its doors to the people of Gabane.

He invested in essential equipment, including a compressor, tyre changer and wheel balance machine, laying a solid foundation for his new venture.

Initially, business was slow. Mr Pule struggled to find the right price point, as informal businesses in the area offered cheaper services, making it difficult for him to attract customers.

Undeterred, he adjusted his prices to offset the competition while emphasising the superior quality of his services.

Just as he was beginning to find his footing, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, causing widespread disruption. Like many businesses, his tyre services were forced to close.

Fortunately, the Thamaga/Mogoditshane District Council stepped in, providing him with five cars to service, which helped keep his business afloat.

Despite this assistance, the road ahead was tough. At one point, Mr Pule was even forced to sell his car to sustain the business. However, he refused to give up.

Today, Mr Pule’s business is thriving, a testament to his perseverance and determination. He credits the challenges he faced early on for teaching him valuable lessons in resilience and relationship building.

“I learned that you have to be resilient in business,” he says. “You can’t give up when things get tough, and I also learned the value of relationships, not just with customers, but with people in the community.”

Through his business, he has also grown personally. His commitment to his community is evident. He is passionate about giving back to Gabane, the village that has supported him from the start. Mr Pule donates a portion of his profits to community projects, sponsors local sporting tournaments and is always on the lookout for other ways to contribute to the people of Gabane.

When he first launched his business, he hit the ground running with a combination of door-to-door marketing and flyer distribution. His hard work and dedication to his craft have been the driving force behind his success.

But he did not stop there. Recognising the importance of lifelong learning, Mr Pule also pursued a Certificate Course in Human Resources at Tshwaragano Brigade, expanding his knowledge and skill set. Ends