Tebogo Moloi: A learner today is a leader tomorrow

Oakantswe Construction Projects is a 100% black-owned electrical company incorporated in 2010, and which has been in operation for three years. Based in Pretoria East, Gauteng, the company specialises in electrical engineering based solutions.

Managing Director Tebogo Moloi says the word Oakantswe means “it was planned”. “Everything needs to be planned before it can progress,” says Moloi, who identified a need in the market and took the opportunity, with the ultimate aim of creating a sustainable enterprise while assisting Government to carry out its function and create jobs at the same time.

Providing electrical installations during construction, along with electrical maintenance, MV and LV reticulations, high masts and street lights and also solar/energy saving installations has seen Oakantswe Construction Projects grow from two staff members to five in just three years.

“I believe that the aspect that sets us apart from others in our field is the provision of exceptional after-sales and support services. A key factor for us is giving people safe access to electricity,” she says.

Previously working for a company in the electrical field, Tebogo says she noted service provision problems that she felt could be addressed. Her initial challenges to setting up a company to deal with these issues included start-up funding, marketing and regulatory compliance. “I learned some important lessons then,” she says. “Firstly, for your business to grow in construction, you must comply with regulations and be proactive with your marketing. It’s also extremely important to build long-term relationships in the industry.”

Tebogo’s vision of Oakantswe Construction Projects being the leading diversified engineering company in the market and creating job opportunities has only intensified as she has moved from being a subcontractor to being a principal contractor. “I am even more inspired to do more, work harder and transfer my skills to the younger generation. I aim for my legacy to be an empire for my children to continue running, and still making a difference in communities and across South Africa.”

To source new business, Tebogo says his methods include establishing direct business relations with different procurement departments to pitch and close sales with potential clients; attending briefings and networking. “A friend invited me to a Property Point session, where I applied to join the programme in order to gain the skills and training to develop and grow my business.”

“So far, Property Point has opened my eyes and mind to bigger things. It has given me the exposure and a clear vision I can communicate to my employees. I cannot wait to learn because, as they say, ‘a learner today is a leader tomorrow’.”