It has been more than a decade since Soloman Mabuse first opened the doors to Daiman Records Distributors in Mamelodi, Gauteng in 2013. With a certificate from the Film and Publication Board, his business operations were initially focused on the sales and distribution of DVDs, CDs and video games. Solomon worked hard to grow his business and he even secured distribution rights from well-known labels such as Sony Music and Dakota.
Unfortunately, DVDs and CDs soon made way for the download era. Advances in technology made it possible to download music, movies and games to not only PCs and laptops, but cellphones too, dealing a hefty blow to Daiman Records.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Soloman revived his business to distributing masks to local spaza shops for resale purposes. While there was a huge initial demand for masks during lockdown, long-term success was not in the cards. When the mandatory wearing of masks was abolished, Soloman once again found himself looking to diversify his business.
In 2022, Soloman participated in Ranyaka’s Nedbank-funded Pitch My Hustle event where he was awarded third place overall for his business idea. Completing the Building Business programme opened many doors for Soloman. By boosting his skills, he became more confident in running his business. He streamlined his processes and Soloman learned how to better market his business to potential clients. The programme also helped him to gain a more in-depth understanding of the importance of distribution channels and business compliance.
Currently, Damain Records supplies sunflower oil to local restaurants in Mamelodi. They also offer various educational services to local schools and other organisations operating in the educational sector. Soloman has big dreams for the future, but he knows that long-term success does not come without hard work, dedication and taking risks. He would like to become the sole supplier of sunflower oil to local spaza shops, retailers and wholesalers and also establish a client base among local restaurants.
Soloman’s experience and never-say-die attitude make him a good role model for other aspiring entrepreneurs in his community. When asked to share a few words of wisdom with them, he says: “Don’t wait. Start now by identifying a need in your own community and finding ways to supply the products and services to satisfy this need.”
Like all business owners, Soloman has experienced several ups and downs over the past decade and constantly adapting to a fast-changing world has been challenging. The pros of having his own business outweigh the cons, however, with Soloman rating the day he received his business certificates as one of the highlights.
Being at the helm of Daiman Records and seeing it grow gives Soloman great joy. He hopes that he can continue to steer the business in the right direction by combining everything he has learned from the Ranyaka Building Business programme with his own passion and resilience, allowing him to serve his community for many years to come.
Mamelodi is one of 31 communities in 8 provinces across South Africa where Ranyaka is implementing the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme. Building Business is one of 10 programmes that forms part of the Ranyaka and PoMT framework.
Images by Lizelle Lötter Photography