Company Profile
Name of company: Boniswa Corporate Solutions Pty Ltd
Years in existence:Â 10 years
Position:Â CEO
Can you tell us a little bit about your background – personal, educational and professional?
I am a wife and mother of three, studying towards my Masters degree in Informatics from Tshwane University of Technology. I started my career as a receptionist in Denel and today I am honoured to have successfully ran an organisation for the past 10 years.
Can you tell us a little bit about your company and what you do?
Boniswa Corporate Solution is a turnkey company that builds network for major cell phone companies, local and international. We specialise in equipment housing, mast upgrade, sites, construction and brick building, supply of electrical fence, antennas ect.
How did you journey begin and how have you achieved success so far?
My husband gave me the idea to participate in the industry. We started Boniswa in 2004 and now have  firm foothold in the industry. Our rapid growth goals have been largely realised. We have already taken the Southern African region by storm. Through our strategic foresight, Boniswa has grown to an extent that we are establishing footprints in Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique.  Within South Africa we have offices in Limpopo, Gauteng and Eastern Cape regions.
Has it been difficult? Â What were some of the obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?
Being a black female-owned organisation in a male-dominated territory has been our biggest challenge especially when it comes to gaining acceptance.  We have been consistent in asking questions and remaining open to learning.  Our commitment to making sure that we deliver work on time and going the extra mile has made our clients gain confidence in us.
What is your overall vision for your business?
Our vision is to become the leading corporation that sets the standard in the industry, thereby empowering our workforce today to become leaders of tomorrow.
What do you think it takes to establish and run a successful business in South Africa?
It takes dedication, discipline, and hard work with a clear understanding of the industry that you operate in.
How did you finance your business, how difficult or easy was the process?
I used my family savings and also short-term loans until the business achieved a track record. Thereafter the National Empowerment Fund funded us. It was a difficult process at the beginning because we had to reject some deals due to finance.
What are the three things you attribute your business success to?
Discipline, hard work and respect.
“My staff used to walk to work, then they cycled and now they drive cars”
When did you know that you were an entrepreneur?
I got my entrepreneurial drive from my grandmother who ran a fish and chip shop. She also rented out residential properties that she owned. I helped her in my school holidays.’
 How would you describe your leadership style?
I have an open-book leadership style where I have trust in the people on the ground and they are encouraged to take initiative.
 What are some of your favourite motivational books and motivational gurus that have inspired you to grow your business?
My favourite book is Slowing down in the speed of life by Richard Carlson and Joseph Bailey. My motivational gurus are my staff members. They are so dedicated and they’ve grown with me. They used to walk to work, then they cycled and now they drive cars.
What three pieces of advice would you offer young entrepreneurs starting out today?
The three advice that I would give entrepreneurs are the following:
– Capitalise on what you know and stay acutely aware of what you do not know and make sure you fill the gaps.
– Have passion and lead with conviction (strive to empower and inspire your people there are you’re biggest asset).
– Be disciplined and always have respect.
What’s the worst and best business advice you’ve ever received?
Worse advise: Give up
Best advise: Always believe in yourself and create your own path.
And finally, do you believe in luck, hard work or both?
I believe in hard work but at time it takes a bit of luck to achieve certain things.
