Snl24 | Kasi businessman: People thought I was a scammer

Thabang Yika, who said opening his car dealership was not a walk in the park. Photo by Judas Sekwela

WHEN Thabang Yika opened his car dealership in 2017, people thought he was taking chances and wouldn’t succeed.

At the time, Thabang from Seshego outside Polokwane, Limpopo, had only two containers as his office and one car.

He said it was difficult as he didn’t have cars and a lot of people thought he was a scammer.

“The main reason I started the business was to do things differently and be fair on the clients. This was by having my own dealership because I’ll make my own decisions on how to do things,” Thabang said.

He opened his first branch in Seshego called Thabang Cars 4U in 2022 and has now gone from one car to more than 15 on the floor with 12 full-time employees.

“The plan is to grow and employ young people around Seshego. My focus is to expand the local economy and make sure unemployment is reduced in our community,” he said.

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His plan is to open another branch in Polokwane which will have 20 employees before venturing into other provinces.

“I hope every dealership will employ more than 15 local people. The plan is to inspire and show the black child that it’s possible. You don’t have to have millions to start your business, you can start with what you have.”

Thabang said it’s not easy to be a dealership owner ekasi but hard work and passion got him this far.

“To be honest, I’m enjoying the challenges that come with the dealership because I love what I’m doing. I smile every time I reach another step. Challenges don’t make me panic as I know it’s part of growth,” he said.

Thabang’s advice to young people: Don’t rely on government.

“Start with what you have and work hard. Young people must stop being lazy to work and think because there are many legitimate ways to make money.”

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