Growing up in South Africa and witnessing firsthand the demise of many small business largely due to non-compliance and mismanagement issues, Thabiso Makamole promised himself that his entrepreneurship journey would take a different trajectory.
However, failing to navigate past similar challenges while running his first business set him up for a disappointing experience that would nonetheless provide invaluable and life changing lessons.
“My educational journey played a crucial role in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset. Studying business analytics and data analytics helped me understand how businesses can leverage technology and data to improve efficiency,” says Thabiso.
“However, my real education came from the experience of starting my first business, which unfortunately failed to take off due to non-compliance. That experience became the foundation for my future ventures.”
The Birth of Makamole Business Services
The closure of his first business venture was a bitter, yet necessary, lesson that Thabiso used as a foundation to change his entrepreneurship journey for the better. He decided to try again, this time with better wisdom and a fierce passion to succeed.
“After my first business closed due to compliance issues, I realized that many township business owners faced similar challenges. This insight led me to establish Makamole Business Services in 2014.
“The company assists small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with compliance, business management, and digital transformation. Over time, I expanded my vision to include technology-driven solutions, such as integrating AI, RPA, Blockchain, and RegTech to help businesses streamline compliance.
“I also started MediHelp, a health-focused startup aimed at improving healthcare accessibility for patients with chronic conditions. Makamole Business Services is headquartered in South Africa, and while I have a small core team, I work with various experts and partners to expand our impact,” Thabiso says.
Keeping Up With Change
Thabiso has realized how the rise of digital transformation, fintech, and AI-driven solutions has reshaped how many businesses operate. To stay ahead of the curve, he has focused on continuous learning, partnerships, and adopting emerging technologies.
Says Thabiso: “I am actively exploring the Metaverse Academy and EON XR to revolutionize education and training in South Africa.
“By integrating RegTech and AI automation, I ensure that Makamole Business Services remains a leader in compliance solutions. My adaptability and willingness to embrace innovation have been key to my breakthrough.”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Entrepreneurship comes with its fair share of obstacles and Thabiso says some of his biggest challenges include funding limitations, market resistance to change as well as balancing multiple ventures.
For every challenge that has come his way, however, Thabiso has been able to find innovative solutions that have kept alive his dream of reaching the top.
“When confronted with funding limitations, I had to bootstrap and reinvest profits to grow my ventures. In terms of market resistance to change, I realized the need to embrace digital solutions, extensive education as well as building trust.
“The biggest lesson I have learned over the years is that resilience and adaptability are both non-negotiable. You must be willing to pivot, seek mentorship, and embrace failure as part of the journey,” Thabiso says.
Milestones and Impactful Projects
One of my Thabiso’s proudest achievements is the Comply+ service at Makamole Business Services, which simplifies compliance for township businesses at an affordable price, starting from R250.
“This service has helped numerous businesses become eligible for government contracts and funding. Another milestone is my work with TravelMate, where I aim to revolutionize tourism through Virtual Tourism, creating job opportunities and showcasing South Africa’s beauty to the world.
“Additionally, my involvement in the Metaverse Academy has positioned me as a pioneer in VR and AR education solutions, expanding learning opportunities for South African students,” he adds.
Advice to Small Businesses
Thabiso has a lot of advice for entrepreneurs with limited resources. He believes the key to success lies in being creative and innovative.
“Start small but think big. You do not need millions to launch, focus on a minimum viable product (MVP). Secondly, leverage technology. Use platforms like Adalo.com for affordable app and website development.
“You must also prioritize compliance. Non-compliance can kill your business before it grows so it is important to get it right from the start. It is also important to network and collaborate by joining entrepreneurial programs to access funding and mentorship,” he explains.
“The most important lesson I have learned is that impact matters more than profit. I believe in creating businesses that solve real problems—whether it is compliance, healthcare, or tourism.
“My leadership approach is adaptive, tech-driven, and community-focused. Through every venture, I aim to uplift township businesses, drive innovation, and leave a lasting impact on South Africa’s economy,” Thabiso concludes.
