Anglo Zimele - Anglo American South Africa

4Building the right foundationsVukani Musa Construction specialises in building and civil works in the rapidlyexpanding Kathu region of the Northern Cape.Vukani MusaConstructionpartners Willem Smitand Joseph KenteIts founder, Joseph Kente, is a man determinedto succeed. Despite having to cut his schoolingshort because of financial hardship, hecontinued studying while training as a carpenterat Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen Mine. He passedmatric and his trade test and then went on toqualify as a building inspector in 2001.He soon realised that there were few blackownedcompanies that could deliver high-qualitybuilding services and approached the KumbaSmall Business Hub for assistance.Recognising his talent and determination,the Hub facilitated the granting of a loan ofR680,000 from the Small Business Start-upFund. Joseph founded Vukani Musa Constructionin April 2008, and has already employed 18people. He holds a 50% stake in the company,while his partner, Willem Smit, who has over20 years experience in the building trade, ownsthe remaining shares.Vukani Musa has already commenced a numberof projects, including the upgrading of variousbuildings at Sishen, as well as the constructionof a pre-primary facility at a local school.Joseph is living a long-nurtured dream.