03 May 2017

Penetrating the market with skill of architecture in a village has not been easy as it needs a lot of perseverance coupled with  zeal and hard work.

Mr Tiroyaone Semumu, 35-year-old owner of Delivered In Time Investments, who hails from Kanye is a living testimony of tenacity, and showers the Youth Development Fund (YDF) with praises for making his dream come true.

In an interview recently, Mr Semumu said he was sponsored by the fund to the tune of P100 000 to buy a machine to add to what he had to start his business in 2016.

Delivered In Time Investment offers an assortment of products ranging from building and construction plans, interior design and renovation designs, among others.

Situated behind Mongala Mall, a busy central place where Kanye residents do their shopping, Mr Semumu said the proximity gives his business a comparative advantage and exposure to prospective clients.

The youth beneficiary also noted that he complements his business with general supplies, thereby keeping him going during dark days. “I also believe in providing quality and customer fulfillment which are pivotal for business growth,” said Mr Semumu.

He thanked government institutions, fellow architects and communities that support his business.

Equipped with a degree in interior architecture from Limkokwing University, Mr Semumu said he had to go through a roller coaster ride to end up where he was.

“After graduating, I gained teaching experience from various institutions like brigades, but I knew my passion lied in architectural entrepreneurship,” he said.

The passionate architect, who has one permanent employee and an intern in his business, said he would be pleased to bring in more personnel as the business reached greater heights.

An avid entrepreneur, Mr Semumu said he advertised his products and services through distributing flyers, word of mouth and social media. He said apart from teething problems his business was bearing fruit as he was the first one to provide the services in Kanye

Contrary to the popular belief that businessmen always have money, he emphasised the fact that there were challenges that inhibited the business from smooth sailing, outlining the lack of support from some government entities as one of them.

Mr Semumu also said the fact that the business was still at its infancy was another challenge because it was not well known by the public.

Mr Semumu noted that record keeping was imperative in a business. He stated that he kept records so as to evaluate whether he was making a profit or loss.

Driven by hope and determination, Mr Semumu emphasised that hard work was the key to success, adding that the youth needed to acquaint themselves with the spirit of self-reliance so as to prosper in their day to day living.

He added that the fund played a pivotal role in enhancing individual growth and instilling a business spirit in the youth. He also advised the youth to use availed government programmes to better their lives. ENDS