Thabile Makhoba's journey to becoming the founder of Makhoba Professional Services is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Nominee for Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards 2024
Thabile Makhoba has been nominated for the prestigious Innovator Trust Awards, which will be held during the annual Women in Tech Experience on Wednesday, 13 November 2024. The Women in Tech (WIT) conference has grown to become a leading platform focused on female-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. This event aims to empower female ICT business owners with tools and strategies to accelerate their success. If you want to register for your free virtual seat, click here to register.
The 2024 WIT conference will honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the beneficiaries of the Enterprise Development and Supplier Development programmes, shining a spotlight on the importance of empowering the next generation of women through technology and entrepreneurial ventures. Thabile’s nomination is a reflection of her outstanding contributions to the ICT sector and her role in driving digital inclusion in her community.
Thabile's Entrepreneurial Journey
Thabile embodies the entrepreneurial spirit celebrated by South African fragrance pioneer Tammy Frazer. As Frazer eloquently stated, "At every African's heart is an entrepreneurial spirit: we are survivors of struggle, malleable enough to embrace change and celebrate doing things differently." Makhoba's story reflects this survivor's determination. Circumstances compelled her to put her studies on hold and enter the workforce early, despite her passion for academia. This shift led to a twelve-year career in the dynamic world of events before her leap into entrepreneurship.
The turning point arrived in March 2020 when the national lockdown forced her to confront the harsh realities of unemployment. Frustrated by her community's lack of network infrastructure, Makhoba embarked on a mission to bridge this digital divide. She wrote to significant service providers asking for answers when she confronted one of them and challenged them to allow her to contribute to the development of her area.
A response from Vodacom ignited a spark. While the company explained the complexities of installing a significant tower, they also acknowledged the potential for local involvement. This catalyzed Makhoba to delve into the world of feasibility studies. "I asked what I needed to do to get the training?" she recalls. Her tenacity paid off when she secured a place in a program supporting SMMEs in the ICT space.
Laying the Foundation
With limited resources, Makhoba started her business in her mother's garage. Building a team proved challenging, as skilled talent was scarce in her community. "I had to get skilled individuals, even if it meant them getting a salary and not me," she explains. This initial sacrifice laid the foundation for a company that would eventually support 22 families.
Makhoba Professional Services offers a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing network and infrastructure solutions and software infrastructure. Their cybersecurity and data mining capabilities complement their expertise in microwave frequency services, site surveys, and tower decommissioning. The company is proud to be certified by Microsoft AWS and Oracle Partners, solidifying its position as a trusted player in the industry.
Register now for your free virtual seat to the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Experience.