Mcotshana Holdings: Thriving in Construction Evolution
Discover the story of Siphokuhle Mcotshana, a young entrepreneur based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, who runs the woman-owned construction company, MCOTSHSANA HOLDINGS. Read Siphokuhle’s full Q&A below, where she unpacks the strategies and successes behind her thriving business:
Please explain your company’s product and/or services in a nutshell.
MCOTSHSANA HOLDINGS is a thriving construction enterprise that specialises in buildings structures. We offer building consultations, pricing for the project, then allocating a team that aligns with the building trade. We then set up, start working and building according to plan and standard.
What made you choose to start a company in this industry?
When I used to work for a developer I was assigned to do snags, allocating teams and then building a block of flats so that’s when I developed love and passion for construction. Reviews from clients and supervisors also motivated me into proving my capabilities and most importantly, to start my own company.
What are your biggest challenges and how are they being addressed?
Starting the company I had no capital, I had to save up to get my documentation bit by bit, but now I know the importance of compliance and investing in that.
Subcontracting for big companies or getting awarded is difficult, you need to know people within the industry that are gatekeepers. So with the projects I have, I create relationships with contractors for future projects, and sometimes when you move with the contractor to another project, community members don’t allow you to work there.
What advice would you give to other businesses facing similar challenges?
- Compliance is very important.
- Build relationships with big contractors.
- Make use of a powerful team that will build your reputation.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a business owner?
- In the process of making money you lose a lot of money.
- Invest in your business.
Why choose Cape Town as a location for your operations?
I was born and bred in Cape Town, also there are business opportunity programs to equip you on how to run your business.
What is your company’s unique selling proposition?
- Customer Service: We form lucrative long term relationship through good customer service.
- Innovation: We offer innovative products that has a long life span with stand climate change, fire proof as well as attractive skilled labour.
- Skilled Labour: We execute work with experts in the field that are skilled accredited, to execute the work with experts according to standard.
What are your company’s biggest achievements to date?
- Having to work with one of the big companies NOKHANYA SERVICES, in an RDP City of Cape Town project in Cape Town.
- Working as a main contractor for SPAR Group, servicing their drains and offering plunging services.
- Working in a WCED classroom addition project.
What is your company strategy for growth and expansion?
We are currently venturing into manufacturing so that we can fix and supply for our projects, so that our grading can grow.
How do you measure success in your business?
Having to build quality houses for people and delivering according to standard. More than anything, empowering the community by hiring skilled and unskilled labour. Students that have skills aligned to our building trades and giving them experience – that is success for me.
What are the company’s plans for the next 5 years?
- The plans is to grow be on grade 5-6 with more than 100 employees working for us.
- To grow our manufacturing division into manufacturing aluminum windows, doors and paint.
