Tshepo Namate, founders of Junction Store. Photo | courtesy.
Growing up in South Africa, Tshepo Namate always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. Business was in his blood, which led him to open a car wash while still in high school. In addition to running the car wash, Tshepo also sold cookies in his neighborhood.
These early ventures laid the foundation for his rise to becoming Africa’s 2024 FOYA Award winner in the retail business category.
“I owned and operated a car wash while in high school. During the holidays, I would manage it full time. I also used to sell cookies in the neighborhood,” Tshepo told JEDCA MEDIA.
After completing high school, he decided to explore employment opportunities. Fortunately, he secured a sales job in his hometown. He worked as a salesman for ten years before deciding to pursue his entrepreneurial dream.
In 2018, after a disagreement with his employer over salary issues, he quit his job to start his own business.
“I was not getting good pay in my work and my boss didn’t want to raise my salary. I decided to quit without knowing what to do or where to go next. But I quit anyway,” he recalls.
At first, he turned to farming, growing and selling vegetables to raise capital. However, within a few months of quitting his job, his personal life took a devastating turn when his wife divorced him.
“After quitting my job, my wife left me because I had no job and no income. But at the time I had enough from the gratuity that I received after quitting the job,” he says.
Opening Junction Store
Determined to rebuild his life, Tshepo ventured into the retail business despite the challenges he faced.
With the little capital he had, he started Junction Store, a business that would later earn him the title of Africa’s Retail Founder of the Year.
However, getting started was not easy. Tshepo initially expected to generate substantial profits immediately, but he quickly learned that business requires continuous investment and adaptability.
“In business, you learn a lot because new challenges arise every day. I initially thought my first stock would grow without additional capital, but I soon realized that I needed to keep injecting more money into the business,” he explains.
Junction Store specializes in selling building materials. When he launched the business, Tshepo expected to attract a large customer base quickly, but that was not the case. With only a few customers at first, he focused on delivering exceptional service to retain and attract more clients.
He firmly believes that customer service is the lifeline of his business.
“The construction industry is always evolving. My competitors are big companies, but what sets me apart is my commitment to excellent customer service. Quick service is crucial. In large companies, resolving customer complaints takes time, but in my business, I make swift decisions to address customer needs,” he shares.
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An IT expert currently studying business administration, Tshepo reinvests most of his profits to grow Junction Store.
The company now employs five people, including a cashier, two salespeople, and two delivery agents.
Despite its growth, the business has faced significant challenges, particularly in securing funding. Retail businesses require substantial capital, which is often difficult to obtain.
“Retail is a capital intensive industry, and funding is not easy to come by. I borrow money from alternative lenders rather than banks. This has helped me sustain the business during financial downturns,” he explains.
Nevertheless, Tshepo has ambitious plans for Junction Store.
“My vision is to make this company one of the biggest retail stores in South Africa. I am planning to open more branches,” he says.
Winning the FOYA Award 2024
Tshepo’s entrepreneurial journey has been marred with financial struggles, rejection, and self doubt. However, he never allowed failure to define his story. In 2024, he applied for the FOYA.AFRICA GLOBAL AWARDS.
“It was my last attempt to gain the recognition I had worked so hard for. When my name was called as the Retail Founder of the Year, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was more than just an award it was the culmination of years of hard work, faith, and perseverance. It proved that no matter how many storms you endure, there is always hope for brighter days,” he affirms.
Business Lessons Learned
Reflecting on his journey, Tshepo emphasizes that entrepreneurship is not a destination but a journey that requires resilience and perseverance.
“Don’t become an entrepreneur if you have a weak mindset. You need clear goals and a solid foundation for sustainability. The first five years of a business are not for enjoying profits but for reinvesting and growing the business. I have encountered many challenges. At times, I have struggled to pay my employees, but I never gave up. You have to do everything possible to keep the business running,” he advises.
Tshepo concludes with a message of patience and determination, “When storms hit your business, believe that no matter the challenges, you will not give up.”
