Train manufacturer Gibela has created a one-stop shop portal where budding entrepreneurs can access markets, professional counsel, business mentoring and funding all in one place.
Gibela Rail Transport Consortium partnered with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) to create the Gibela Business Incubator.
The aim is to grow the economy and increase the rate of youth employment in South Africa. At the helm of the initiative is Justine Mogashoa, the CEO of Gibela Business Incubator.
She has a postgraduate degree in public policy and incubation management development programme (IMDP), among other qualifications.
Mogashoa has 18 years’ experience in enterprise development, 14 of those at SEDA. She has visited countries such as China, US, UK, Sweden, Belgium and others on fact-finding missions and to learn best practices.
She regards her work at Gibela as being instrumental in creating jobs. “The incubator was established in 2019 but started operating in 2020. We had a rough start because of the global pandemic, but I’m happy to say that despite the challenges, we currently have a
total of 150 clients accessing our business development services on a daily basis.
“We will have managed to incubate 66 incubatees by the end of 2021/2022 financial year and create 32 jobs across various industries in the past two years.”
Sunday World had a sit-down with her to understand what makes her tick as a leader and a person.
- What is your leadership style?
I would say I have a democratic leadership style. I encourage teamwork, listen to the team’s perspectives and consider their input when making decisions.
- Who do you regard as the most influential South African of all time?
Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela), my namesake. My name is Mmaleka Justine Mogashoa and Mmaleka means Nomzamo in isiXhosa. We share a birthday too: 26 September.
- Which book has had the most impact on you and why?
Vusi: Business & Life Lessons From a Black Dragon by Vusi Thembekwayo. The book inspired me mainly because of the space in which I currently work – SMME development.
I am able to advise the SMMEs I work with from a place of authority because of what I have learnt from the dragon himself, Thembekwayo.
- What do you do to unwind?
I like to take sho’t left (local) holidays just to connect with nature. I also enjoy a burst of sunshine on the beach.
- Which music is currently on your playlist?
I am an old-school type. I love to play 60s and 70s music.
- Why is it important to balance work and home life?
It is very important for mental stability and stress reduction. It also increases productivity at the office because, wow, work can be very challenging at times!
- What is your most valuable possession in life?
My children and grandchildren. They are my everything.
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