Every successful business has a starting point. For Sifiso Justice Manana, that starting point was a welding toolkit, E3 000 and one customer.
Today, his business, Mkiti Steelworks, has grown beyond those humble beginnings, serving customers in both Manzini and Mbabane and offering a range of steelwork products and services. Based in New Village, Manzini, Mkiti Steelworks specialises in the manufacture and installation of windows, gates, burglar bars, handigas cages, laundry poles, carports and other general steelwork.
Manana says the business began small, but the ambition was never small. “I started my business with welding tools with E3 000 capital and one customer. Now I have more than eight customers,” he said. For him, entrepreneurship is not only about making money. It is about creating opportunities, particularly for young emaswati.
His vision is to grow Mkiti Steelworsk into a business that can create employment and contribute to the development of emaSwati.
purpose
That purpose is also what keeps him going when the entrepreneurial journey gets tough. “Start before you’re ready,” he advised aspiring executive directors and entrepreneurs. “Expect long nights, self-doubt and cash flow issues, but also expect growth if you stay consistent and keep learning.” Manana admitted that his current position is not exactly where he imagined he would be. “I dreamt bigger, but I’m grateful for every step that got me here,” he said.
His leadership style is equally grounded. He described himself as a servant leader, choosing to lead by example, listen before making decisions and empower his team to take ownership.
Inside the company, he believes positive energy starts with the right attitude. Each week begins with gratitude and goal setting, while small victories are celebrated. He also believes in treating staff like family. For his customers, the formula is straightforward: communicate, deliver and listen. “We over communicate, deliver on time and always ask for feedback to improve,” he added.
journey
His entrepreneurial journey is a reminder that businesses do not always begin with big capital or a large team. Sometimes, they begin with a skill, a small investment and the courage to serve that first customer.
His driving force remains purpose: Creating opportunities for young emaSwati and proving that local entrepreneurs can build businesses that contribute meaningfully to their communities. when he is not behind the welding tools or running his business, he turns to books, with Design and Art currently on his reading list. From one customer to a growing client base, his journey is still being welded together, one project, one customer and one opportunity at a time.
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