Feathering the nest: sound businesses practices

Elliot and Zodwa Nyathi - Elzo Poultry

Unafraid of hard work, Nyathi was employed at the Bushbuckridge Local Business Service Centre (BLBSC) as an Aftercare Officer. Later he served as a loan officer for Agishana Business Credit, specialising in agricultural projects. He established good relationships with local businessmen, learning about their approach to business.

When the opportunity arose he leased premises to start his own bakery and restaurant, purchasing all the equipment he needed except for an expensive mixer. He secured a loan and paid it off promptly. Nyathi's business grew, but when the landlord terminated the lease he was downhearted, trying to figure another way to keep providing for his family.

This is gold

His business mentor at BLBSC informed him of a chicken farm for sale. "I knew nothing about poultry, but my mentor said, 'This is gold. You can earn a good living.' I wanted to own my own business and its premises. He lent me the deposit and I made many sacrifices, selling my vehicles in order to repay the loan."

He recalls his bumpy start, laughing. "It was the end of October. I sat with a batch of day-old chicks. The Christmas market was around the corner but I had no clue what I was doing." Nyathi rectified that promptly, seeking advice and assistance from others in the industry. They advised him to take the chicks from starter to grower to finisher over the next six weeks. He soon started small-scale vegetable farming to supplement his cash flow. Today, the business employs seven people and is growing fast.

Significant entrepreneurial spirit

Nyathi's entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to learn caught the attention of the SAB Tholoana Enterprise Programme's selection team. He was chosen in July as one of fifteen high-potential applicants who met the criteria. Some 127 applications were received in Mpumalanga alone, with just over 700 received countrywide, making Elliot's selection all the more noteworthy.

Catherine Wijnberg of Fetola, the implementing partners for the SAB Foundation Tholoana programme, explains his selection: "There's a vital need for healthy, environmentally friendly food production in South Africa. Elliot Nyathi's impressive track record of business growth and his personal determination make him an ideal candidate."

Since joining the programme, he has developed a marketing plan that has helped him reconnect with past customers, and explore new markets. He aims to move from supplying informal traders on an ad hoc basis, to supplying local supermarkets weekly. For this to happen, he needs an abattoir in order to slaughter, package and deliver to local shopkeepers. He is making plans to realise this potential.

Nyathi attributes his success to his wife's loving presence. "The company name represents our joint commitment. ELliot plus ZOdwa equals ELZO," he explains with pride. "She's supportive and energetic, helping with everything." He starts describing his favourite chicken dish, but then he remembers that the recipe is secret!