When you visit Mams Mall in Mamelodi township, Tshwane, you are likely to come across Sbevu Locksmith and Projects (registered as Sbevu Trading), a local business that has been serving the community since it opened its doors in 2020.
Bheki Innocent Simelane, the man behind the business, identified a gap in the market when he saw how often people were struggling with broken keys and inaccessible locks, requiring frequent (and often expensive) replacements. His sharp vision and problem-solving attitude helped him to tap into this gap in the market.
One of Bheki’s biggest inspirations is his father, who is an entrepreneur himself. Bheki’s upbringing taught him to appreciate problem-solving and to provide valuable services to the community.
Bheki’s passion for his locksmith business is fueled by his ability to offer solutions where others have fallen short. The happiness of fixing complicated client issues, making them happy and relaxed, is what motivates him to keep going.
His clientèle ranges from corporates to the general public, catering to their needs with a variety of services. From selling locks and keys, to unlocking doors and replacing broken locks, Sbevu Locksmith and Projects has become a one-stop solution for community members with security and accessibility concerns.
When asked about his participation in the Nedbank-funded Ranyaka Building Business programme, Bheki shares: “Before I started the programme I had no formal business training. It helped me become more confident in what I do and also provided me with new skills that make it easier to run my business on a day-to-day basis.”
Mobility has been one of his biggest challenges. Despite the challenges he has faced on his journey so far, Bheki has learned about the importance of providing quality service delivery and ensuring client satisfaction.
Bheki is excited about the future. His immediate goals include improving efficiency by buying more equipment, offering better services, and expanding his reach. He aims to extend his business across various malls and envisions a presence in Menlyn and Silverlakes malls.
He believes that small businesses play an important role in the local and national economy, and that SMMEs are catalysts for township development, and essential in the fight against unemployment. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Bheki took the time to improve marketing strategies, particularly on social media platforms, to ensure that he can stay in touch with his client base.
For budding entrepreneurs, Bheki offers useful advice: “Don’t underestimate starting small. Begin with what you have, give it your all, and witness the growth that follows.”
Sbevu Trading shows determination and commitment to helping the community, reflecting Bheki’s dedication to solving problems and supporting dreams in his neighbourhood.
For more information
Tel 072 029 5381 / 082 084 4458
Email: sbevutrading@yahoo.com
Mamelodi is one of 30 communities in 15 towns in 8 provinces across South Africa where Ranyaka is the official implementation agent of the Nedbank-funded Proud of my Town initiative. Building Business is one of ten programmes that forms part of the PoMT initiative.
Images: Lizelle Lötter Photography