Kopano Ke Lesedi Construction & Projects MD Linah Mogale: The sky is the limit

Based at The Business Place Offices in Marshall Street, Johannesburg, Kopano Ke Lesedi has been providing plumbing, landscaping and maintenance services for the past three years, carefully overseen by Managing Director Linah Mogale.

With an initial focus on slowly but steadily building her business and creating employment, while providing sustainable solutions to industry, Linah now employs ten fulltime staff members and encourages innovation and enthusiasm at Kopano Ke Lesedi Landscaping Services.

Having volunteered in the youth organisation Baswa Ke Bokamoso, her entrepreneurial side has always been Linah’s strength: “I like the idea of controlling my destiny. The smarter and harder I work, the more success I have, and that’s the way it should be. I have learned that it’s possible to build great things - the only limit is your imagination and ability to execute efficiently.”

The company’s vision includes strategic growth that includes adding value for clients; ultimately becoming a global company. Big dreams? Indeed. But Linah has already met the early challenges of starting a new business head-on: With limited resources and the cherished ideal of gender equality empowerment, she used her own finances and the support of her family and close friends who believe in environmental change and empowerment to get Kopano Ke Lesedi Construction & Projects off the ground.

“I would strongly recommend the Property Point programme as it helps entrepreneurs to refine their ideas and prevent mistakes being made, while guiding us to think strategically and outside the box.”

Choosing her path carefully, Linah says: “I initially wanted my business to operate in all sectors of construction, but realised that it was not viable. I decided to specialise in plumbing, landscaping and maintenance – which I am more passionate about and believe offers great potential for growth.”

Remaining true to her mission and vision while establishing a company culture and raising brand awareness were part of the company’s initial challenges, but by managing cash flow and strategic planning, annual turnover is now at around R1.4 million.

Linah says her involvement with Property Point has helped her to position Kopano Ke Lesedi strategically and plan for future growth.