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If it weren’t for WhatsApp, I honestly don’t see how we would have managed to execute our tasks efficiently as teams working from different locations to achieve one goal. Imagine trying to coordinate multiple teams, ensure media alignment, and keep stakeholders updated - all without the instant connectivity that WhatsApp provides. Whether it’s a quick text to update a colleague, a group call to align on strategy, or even a last-minute message to inform your spouse you’ll be late for dinner due to a client meeting, WhatsApp has seamlessly integrated itself into our professional and personal lives.I say this with conviction because I just hit SEND on my final message to a WhatsApp group of local media, wrapping up another incredible <a data-mce-href="https://www.sa20.co.za/" href="https://www.sa20.co.za/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Betway SA20</a> tournament season. The scale of communication involved in organizing such an event is overwhelming to some, yet for many of us, WhatsApp was the ultimate tool for alignment, delegation, and execution. From coordinating media logistics to keeping external stakeholders informed and even ensuring ticket winners had all the details they needed - WhatsApp remained the go-to platform for real-time, streamlined communication.Of course, with great efficiency comes a few workplace dilemmas. The biggest frustration among employees today is how WhatsApp has blurred the lines between work and personal time. Many argue that work-related WhatsApp messages have encroached on their personal lives, making it difficult to switch off. Even managers, at times, struggle to draw the line between business hours and after-hours communication. But let’s be honest - while the debate continues, isn’t it the same WhatsApp that allows an employee to report they are stuck in traffic, running late from lunch, or unable to make it to work due to a doctor’s appointment? Sure, an email could work, but who really sends an apology email while away from the desk (probably fetching a kid from school or at a doctor's appointment)? Meanwhile, WhatsApp remains a tap away, offering the quickest way to stay connected.Within the current high-speed business world, WhatsApp has become more than just a messaging app - it’s an indispensable corporate tool that drives efficiency, collaboration, and instant connectivity. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying its impact in keeping businesses and projects running seamlessly.Access our new edition <a data-mce-href="https://konvenientmagazine.gumroad.com/l/skukrb" href="https://konvenientmagazine.gumroad.com/l/skukrb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a>.

It’s amazing how WhatsApp has revolutionized our team's communication and efficiency.

It's not every day you meet a woman who has boldly stepped into the heart of the plumbing industry, but it’s even more inspiring when that woman has built her company from the ground up. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ntombomzi Sweetness Mbaza, a powerhouse in the construction and plumbing sector, to discuss her incredible journey from an underpaid administrator to the founder of Itha Plumbing - a company that has grown from just two employees to a thriving team of 30.Sweetness started her career managing an RDP housing project while earning a meager R2,500 a month. She wasn’t just handling paperwork - she was running the entire operation, from securing subcontractors and organizing materials to coordinating building inspections and processing payments. Yet, she worked under a boss whose business ethics left much to be desired.“I started my business out of anger,” she admitted. “If I could do all of this for him, why couldn’t I do it for myself?”That fire led her to take on her first independent job, an R1,000 public works project. It was a small step, but one that ignited the foundation of Itha Plumbing.Like many entrepreneurs, Sweetness faced early setbacks. Her first attempt at building RDP houses failed due to financial mismanagement. Instead of giving up, she pivoted, narrowing her focus solely to plumbing.She started small, securing minor contracts and submitting quotations until departments began to take notice. Along the way, she groomed her brother and brother-in-law to join the business. Her breakthrough came in 2008 when Itha Plumbing secured its first major tri-annual tender with the metro. Since then, the company has never looked back.<figure id="figure-uoc57qlcbm7rcc2jl"><img id="uoc57qlcbm7rcc2jl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dL0A7ozVh4Jb0XOge7tzPXcSA0hGwvv3VYL66n2in0e4O7y9QAt3V3TOqPXkeUd.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Breaking into an industry dominated by men wasn’t easy. She constantly had to prove herself, fight to be taken seriously, and navigate threats that her contracts would be revoked if she didn’t meet unrealistic expectations.“I was told who to hire for certain projects, struggled to get yellow machines for bigger jobs, and even had to work with old, unreliable equipment,” she shared. “But I worked even harder until I could buy my own.”Like many startups, Itha Plumbing faced financial constraints. Loans, sheriff visits, and repayment plans were part of the struggle. However, Sweetness made strategic sacrifices, reinvesting every possible cent into the business to ensure its survival and growth.Her time with Raizcorp played a significant role in transforming her business. The mentorship and training she received improved her financial management skills, and during her tenure there, she purchased her first major piece of equipment.Running a company alongside her husband and raising children was another challenge. While her husband and brother handled operations on-site, Sweetness juggled work and motherhood.“My kids understood my business from a young age,” she explained. “I’d pick them up from school, take them to the site, and help with homework either late at night or early in the morning.”With Itha Plumbing now employing 30 people, Sweetness remains resilient despite the challenges she faces. Some industry players have tried to push her out, but subcontracting has helped her sustain the business.“I had to swallow my pride and adapt,” she said. “Owning my resources makes things easier.”For women looking to enter construction, Sweetness has one clear message: Don’t be intimidated.“Some men in this industry don’t even know the job,” she pointed out. “Get qualified people, pay them well, educate yourself about your field, and hire someone to handle administration so you can focus on finding opportunities.”Her entrepreneurial spirit truly shone when she decided to establish her own plumbing company. Her journey from an administrative role in construction to leading her own business exemplifies perseverance and determination, epitomizing the adage that success favours the bold. Sweetness Mbaza's story offers a glimpse into the potential of women in trades. Breaking through barriers and redefining norms, she embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation, paving the way for future generations of women in plumbing and beyond.For more, visit: <a data-mce-href="https://ithaplumbing.co.za/" href="https://ithaplumbing.co.za/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Itha Plumbing &amp; Civil Construction</a>

Paving the way for future generations of women in plumbing and beyond.

The skincare industry is one of the industries that has been growing since it landed in our communities, with entrepreneurs who have managed to learn the ins and outs of it either via YouTube or through proper research. While global trends and international brands often dominate the shelves, there's something deeply refreshing about the rise of homegrown businesses that speak directly to the needs of African skin. At the heart of this movement is Zimasa Modie, founder of Uncuthu Organics, whose story is not only inspiring but also a celebration of entrepreneurship rooted in culture, family wisdom, and personal resilience.When I asked Zimasa what inspired the birth of Uncuthu Organics, she took me back to her childhood memories and personal struggles. “I was born in Lenasia South, Johannesburg, but spent my early years moving between there and Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. My journey into skincare started with my own battle with severe acne. I tried everything - high-end products, oral treatments - but nothing worked. It wasn’t until I revisited the traditional remedies my mother and grandmother swore by that I saw real change. That experience inspired me to create Uncuthu Organics in April 2021, to offer natural, effective solutions for people like me.”But building a successful business, especially in an industry as competitive as skincare, is no easy feat. Zimasa candidly shared the steep learning curve she faced, particularly around the business and financial side of things. With her background in engineering, she admits that navigating compliance requirements and securing funding opportunities felt foreign and challenging. “I had to seek guidance from experts and mentors in the business space. I also learned that real growth begins when you understand your own core values and embrace the difficulties that come with staying true to them.”This sense of authenticity shines through in the products themselves. I asked Zimasa what makes Uncuthu Organics stand out in a crowded market, and her passion was unmistakable. “We don’t just label ourselves ‘organic’ for marketing appeal. Every product is free from harmful chemicals and preservatives. But more importantly, each formula is designed with the African skin in mind - acknowledging the diverse levels of melanin and the unique challenges that come with it.” This deep understanding of local skin needs gives Uncuthu Organics an edge, combining ancient wisdom with modern formulation techniques.<figure id="figure-h09tjqvhfum7rbzjyq"><img id="h09tjqvhfum7rbzjyq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/134cTQj55ynTbnIF9BAgjS4NXsBeQYS2t9fPnndPiV8qffYkmtvjnXXll1HGmf8u.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Of course, ensuring consistent quality in every batch is crucial to maintaining customer trust. Zimasa credits her team’s ongoing research, development, and customer feedback for helping them evolve. “We constantly refine our products based on what our clients tell us they need. That’s the beauty of being a hands-on, locally rooted brand - we’re agile enough to listen and improve.”Asked about her most rewarding moments since starting the business, Zimasa’s voice softened with emotion. “It’s the messages from clients who tell me they’ve regained their confidence after years of struggling with their skin. For some, it’s the first time they feel seen and beautiful. That’s the true reward.” Beyond skincare, Uncuthu Organics also empowers distributors across the country, giving them an income stream and a way to support their families.As for the future? Zimasa’s ambitions for Uncuthu Organics are clear and bold. The brand is already available on Amazon and Takealot, with direct sales through their office and a growing distributor network. But she’s not stopping there. “By the end of this year, we want to see Uncuthu Organics stocked in major retail stores. And because we see an increasing demand for premium men’s skincare, we’re also developing a specialised male range to complement our unisex offerings.”Zimasa Modie’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is more than building a brand - it’s about solving problems, embracing personal stories, and uplifting communities along the way. Uncuthu Organics is more than just skincare; it’s a testament to heritage, resilience, and the beauty of homegrown innovation.For more, visit: <a data-mce-href="https://uncuthuorganics.my.canva.site/" href="https://uncuthuorganics.my.canva.site/">Uncuthu Organics</a>

Discussing the rise of Uncuthu Organics with Zimasa Modie.

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Enhance your business visibility today.

Recent business news

It’s amazing how WhatsApp has revolutionized our team's c...

Paving the way for future generations of women in plumbin...

Discussing the rise of Uncuthu Organics with Zimasa Modie.

What our readers say

Business Leads Magazine is outstanding! The quality and depth of content and adverts are unmatched. Thank you for keeping us informed and inspired!

Business Leads Magazine is a gem! Their articles are insightful and relevant. The team's dedication to quality content is evident. Keep up the good work!

Business Leads Magazine is exceptional! A need for our businesses and networking events The quality of content is superb. Looking forward to keeping us so well-informed!

Business Leads Magazine is outstanding! The quality and depth of content and adverts are unmatched. Thank you for keeping us informed and inspired!

Business Leads Magazine is a gem! Their articles are insightful and relevant. The team's dedication to quality content is evident. Keep up the good work!

Business Leads Magazine is exceptional! A need for our businesses and networking events The quality of content is superb. Looking forward to keeping us so well-informed!

Business Leads Magazine is outstanding! The quality and depth of content and adverts are unmatched. Thank you for keeping us informed and inspired!

Business Leads Magazine is a gem! Their articles are insightful and relevant. The team's dedication to quality content is evident. Keep up the good work!

Business Leads Magazine is exceptional! A need for our businesses and networking events The quality of content is superb. Looking forward to keeping us so well-informed!