The entrepreneur making big strides, meet Ze Nxumalo
Natural born hustler Ze Nxumalo has achieved more in his 24-years than most people do in a lifetime. A serial entrepreneur, Ze spotted the opportunity when ride-sharing platform Uber entered the South African market and managed to buy a number of cars and employ drivers in a short period of time.
His different business ventures led him to becoming an independent advisor to SA Taxi, the biggest minibus taxi finance provider in the country. Through this association Ze became one of the lead negotiators for SA Taxi on government relations and taxi strike negotiations.
We asked him what keeps him motivated to keep striding….
1. What made you want to be an entrepreneur?
The entrepreneurial bug bit when I was introduced to Uber in 2014. I started buying vehicles and converting them into Uber cars. That drove me to want to do more and explore other opportunities.
2. What drives you and keeps you moving forward
My whole life is built on overtime and if I need to have a meeting at 2am, I will do so. Its hard work to believe in yourself when you are young and others may not support you, but your mind is your greatest tool; I believe that if you give it your all, you will succeed. I didn’t allow my age to be a stumbling block. When I walk into a room, I am just as smart like everyone else, and just as qualified to do what I do as the person I am meeting with.
3. What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I’m most proud of my involvement with Transaction Capital and being able to participate in working with the taxi industry an industry which transports up to 17 million ordinary people a day
4. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received I career?
My parents have always taught me to treat everyone equally, and with respect. That’s what also helps me to get people on my side, and to believe in the same goals and objectives. When you have the same vision, so much more can be achieved.
5. What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneur?
The key to success, is understanding people. As young people we tend to judge others too quickly and we choose not to engage with people who are not like-minded. Instead, you have to learn to deal with different types of personalities. Give your customers equal service and always deliver on your promises. Be reliable and trust worthy.
The ability to adapt and to always act with integrity are qualities to success in business.
6. Who are you role models/or mentors?
I’m very fortunate to have the best mentors anyone can ask for. Roberto Rossi (Founder of Transaction Capital), Gavin Varejes (CEO of Richmark) and Ciko Thomas (Group Managing Executive: NEDBANK Retail & Business Banking) I see them as more than mentors, more like fathers and best friends.
I hope that my role models, who are President Cyril Ramaphosa and Businessman Patrice Motsepe, one day turn into my mentors. I have great respect for these men and feel like I can learn so much from them.
7. What is the one thing you know now that you wish had known at the start of your career?
That it’s important to keep your financial flows healthy and that unnecessary expenditure on material things is not important. Being debt free with one car is better than having debt with three.
Not for Persons under the Age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly.
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