Shukela joint business
| Business Location: | Urban |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Branch: | Durban |
| Business Start Date: | 2022-06-01 |
| Busniess Type: | cc |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
As she gained experience, expanded her professional network through training, and enhanced her technical capabilities, the scope of her work naturally evolved. She progressed to manufacturing school uniforms, with a particular focus on tracksuits, golf T-shirts and sports shorts, supplying learners within the surrounding communities. Her reputation for quality craftsmanship further opened opportunities to produce church uniforms, including garments for mainline churches and the Shembe congregation.
Challenges/Needs:
During the assessment phase, several key operational challenges and developmental needs were identified. These included the following:
1. Limited Marketing Visibility- The business lacked adequate marketing material to effectively promote its products and services. This was particularly evident at church gatherings, community functions and school events, where there had been significant opportunities to showcase their work and attract new customers.
2. Insufficient Promotional Tools- The business did not have essential promotional items such as flyers, brochures and business cards. This limited its ability to engage potential clients and create brand awareness.
3. Need for Additional Machinery to Support Growth- With increasing demand for school uniforms and church garments, the business required additional sewing machinery and equipment to scale its production capacity.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
SEFDA provided strategic support to the client by supplying a comprehensive set of marketing and promotional materials designed to enhance the business’s visibility and professional image. This support included branded banners, business cards, flyers, and a customised gazebo. These items enabled the business to present itself more effectively at community events, church gatherings, school functions and other promotional platforms, thereby strengthening brand recognition, improving customer engagement and creating new opportunities for market expansion.
Outcome Details:
The support provided yielded the following measurable outcomes and positive developments for the business:
1. Increase in turnover: The business experienced a 20.64% increase in turnover, rising from R20 833.00 to R26 250.00. This growth demonstrates the effectiveness of the marketing and promotional interventions in attracting new customers and increasing sales volumes.
2. Increase in Employment Capacity: The business expanded its workforce from 1 employee to 3 employees, resulting in the creation of two additional job opportunities. This increase not only enhanced the business’s production capacity but also contributed to local economic empowerment within the community.
3. New Strategic Partnership Secured: The business successfully established a working relationship with Islamic Relief SA Durban. This partnership led to the business securing contract work and receiving sponsorship in the form of sewing machinery, further strengthening its operational capabilities and supporting long-term sustainability.
1. Increase in turnover: The business experienced a 20.64% increase in turnover, rising from R20 833.00 to R26 250.00. This growth demonstrates the effectiveness of the marketing and promotional interventions in attracting new customers and increasing sales volumes.
2. Increase in Employment Capacity: The business expanded its workforce from 1 employee to 3 employees, resulting in the creation of two additional job opportunities. This increase not only enhanced the business’s production capacity but also contributed to local economic empowerment within the community.
3. New Strategic Partnership Secured: The business successfully established a working relationship with Islamic Relief SA Durban. This partnership led to the business securing contract work and receiving sponsorship in the form of sewing machinery, further strengthening its operational capabilities and supporting long-term sustainability.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
“I would like to thank Sedfa for the support that they have provided over the years”
