Vukuzakhe brings hope to the people

IF Frank Masemola, were to point out one of the attributes for success in his business it would be a vision.

Masemola is a stage four contractor under the department of transport, emerging- contractor Programme, aptly called Vukuzakhe

He registered with the programme in 2001 after he left the Pietermaritzburg-based water parastatal Umgeni Water where he facilitated and managed a number of water projects.

Since 2001 his company, called Zambule which he co-owns with his brother Biggs has been involved in a number of projects including the erection of a barrier wall in New Jersey(correct spelling) and regravelling of P73 an eight-kilometer road in Umzumbe on the south coast.

This was a very successful project in that we only took three months to complete it instead of seven months, said Masemola.

Apart from the eight permanent staff he has employed in the company he has also provided more that 500 part time jobs in areas where he has undertaken some projects for the department.

"Vukuzakhe has brought hope to a number of poverty-ravaged families as they have become self reliant," said Masemola

As the company grows from strength to strength Masemola is now planning to purchase his own plant which he said was going to increase the profit margins of he company because a lot of money was being spent on hiring equipment.

Masemola said that the Programme had been a vehicle for empowerment in the province and hoped that other departments would follow suit.

He ascribed the success of the company to the fact that when they started it they had a vision which was in line with that of the department, which is to empower people through job creation.

"The department of transport has shown us that this is how black economic empowerment can be fast tracked in this province," said Masemola.

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