They have stuck together since they were boys herding cattle in the remote area of Gungwe, Gwanda, and still share the same interests even in adulthood. Today, in their early 40s, they live in the same vicinity, go to the same church and belong to the same burial society. They are also co-directors of fast-rising family business, JC Construction.
“We were taught the importance of family unity when we were still young boys. Despite having temporarily lived in different countries for some time, the urge to get back together was always strong and now we have found one another again,” said Jonas (43), the elder of the two.
“I have sometimes thought that we did not make it in our earlier careers because we tried to break that family bond by choosing to do different things, and that we are successful now because we have reunited.”
Their company does almost everything in construction – building, paving, tiling, plumbing, renovation, paving, waterproofing and thatching gazebos (lapas in South Africa).
“Building has always been our favourite activity since we were young boys. Even at school, when we struggled to raise money for fees, our headmaster would give a classroom or any other structure to paint as our way of paying what we owed, not knowing what he was preparing us for.”
Theirs is a good example of what education with production can do for the future of any country.
“We learnt the building basics at secondary school and, as people who were talented in the field and brought up to enjoy hard work, we both fell in love with it. Thus was our career born,” said Chalota (40).
“Our rural homes in Gwanda are well-built because we did everything ourselves, helping one another. That unity and telepathy is the strength of our company now.”
Although they have been contracted by some wealthy individuals in South Africa, the duo said their services were charged in such a way that even those who are not affluent can afford them.
“Ours is a way of making sure that those who want to have a decent, neat home, do get it because we do not charge exorbitant prices. So people who want to build or renovate their homes prefer us. Companies have also come to us for various construction services, which are expertly done by qualified workers drawn from every country represented in South Africa.”
Proud that they have stood their ground in a business mostly owned by white South Africans, they have not forgotten the teething challenges they suffered when the company was formed last year.
“It is usually very difficult for a new company, competing with reputable established firms, to make it, so we had some challenges trying to market the business. But once we hit the ground, there was no going back,” added Bedza. “It becomes easier when you have done a satisfactory job for someone with a good network because they start recommending you to their friends and business associates, opening more doors for you. All you need to do is make sure you leave the client more satisfied.”
Their biggest wish is to grow their company to the level where it can establish subsidiaries in other countries in the region. They have also not forgotten the challenges facing their countrymen in foreign lands.
“Many of our Zimbabwean brothers are being overworked for very little pay and our payment structure has been designed in a way that pays double what some of the companies are doing,” said Chalota.
Post published in: News