Sijeka Group is a Harare-based company driven by the vision of providing superior services in the transport logistics and energy spaces.
At the helm of this company is founder and chief executive officer Siphosenkosi Kadzutu, a young and ambitious entrepreneur who thrives on a passion to succeed by providing innovative solutions.
Sijeka is at the forefront of providing transport services such as delivery, messenger, cab services, intercity delivery, bulk delivery as well as long hauls. In the energy sector they offer solar system solutions, lighting and recently started distributing bulk fuel.
“The likes of Strive Masiyiwa, Warren Buffet and Andrew Carnegie amongst many others really inspired me from a young age to get into business. My earliest memory of actual selling is when I was 13 years old,” recalls Sipho.
“My father joined a network marketing group that sold fuel treatment. I remember I would go to Parktown shops during weekends and literally approach cars with a whole sales pitch of how this fuel treatment can help cleanse their fuel.
“I managed to achieve some sales, and I would get some pocket money. So, the desire to get into business has always been there.”
Breakthrough During Covid
From a very young age, Sipho learned that hard work was the key to success. His family instilled Christian values within him, and this helped him maintain the discipline necessary to apply himself to reach his goals.
“The Long and short of my background is that I grew up in an environment where I always had to prove myself. I cannot necessarily say I came from the worst of poverty, but we did not have much, so I always had to do my best with what I had.
“I initially started working soon after High School. I worked as a sales assistant, and I also handled upholstery orders for a well-known furniture company in Harare. The idea of one day opening a company had always been there from a very young age.
“So, at the company I worked I used to propose the idea of same day delivery to customers at a fee and because I had the products, I just had to look for a truck and I would get the things delivered. This went on until Covid hit and I decided to venture out on my own.
“I used the bit of savings I had to buy a motorcycle and that is how I got into the courier space, offering delivery and messenger services. Three years later we then diversified and got into energy which has been exciting.”
Staying Ahead
Made up of a seven-member team, Sipho’s businesses are headquartered at 41 Churchill Avenue Alexandra Park in Harare.
And, as the business landscape continues to evolve since Covid, Sipho and his team have come up with effective strategies that ensure they stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing trends.
“Things are always changing in the business landscape. I started operations in the thick of the Covid 19 pandemic. To stay ahead we have done our best to introduce innovative solutions that help is to retain and attract customers.
“We have a subscription model that we offer in courier business which really helps customers to be able to do more and not worry much about price because when you subscribe you lock a certain price no matter the distance in Harare.
“We have seen this innovation help SMEs to grow and also allow those with side hustles to focus on their work and keep the side hustle going. Now we are looking to get into the corporate space.
“In the energy space we offer power solutions like portable power stations that can literally beat load shedding and help you keep your entertainment and your office running nonstop and all this goes in line with our mission to help people do more.”
Hard Lessons
As an entrepreneur, Sipho has faced his fair share of challenges. In the middle of the obstacles, however, the young businessman has drawn strength from the hard lessons he has learned and has used them to not only achieve breakthroughs but to also propel himself forward.
“We have gone bankrupt once, but I remember when we started, I promised myself that we will never stop. So, I remember starting everything from scratch. I am glad that happened because it taught me so much about systems.
“Setting up and having a system that can allow the business to function in your absence is always a big task and even when you get to a point where you find a system that works you need to constantly improve it.
“At some point Human resources was a major problem. Not being able to find the right individuals can be very difficult. From that lesson I have learnt to really take your time in hiring and if someone is being a problem exercise grace to a certain extent before you part ways with them,” he says.
Seizing the Opportunity
Sipho describes the business environment in Zimbabwe as one that is filled with many opportunities that entrepreneurs can identify and tap into. What is key, according to Sipho, is the ability to be able to find solutions to the everyday challenges that people face on a daily basis.
“Zimbabwe is actually a land filled with opportunities. Growing up we have always been made to believe to always look for work but not to create work. I think that is one of the joys of being an entrepreneur.
“You are able to find a problem and then create a solution, that solution creates work for others and as we grow, we get to make a greater impact.
“We have some exciting projects that we have been working on behind the scenes. Pretty soon we should have some interesting innovations to introduce into the market. I believe our long-term vision would be of significant impact to not just Zimbabwe but Africa then in turn the world,” says Sipho.
