Water, Sewage & Effluent January February 2019 | Page 28

win-win for both businesses — the manufacturer receives the material they need at a good price and collects, and the boiler-ash-generator client has their waste disposed of, plus it’s collected, and they get paid for it! WSE: What are your short-term goals for Green Output Solutions? AM: Finding and securing month-to- month contracts for working capital, so that we can take care of our monthly operational costs. WSE: What is your vision for the company’s long-term goals? AM: To grow the business and expand our footprint. We have formed alliances with partners in neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Zambia, so that we can get our name out there. Also, to sharpen our service offering, to increase awareness. We would like to be a market leader and find alternatives for waste so that it is diverted away from landfill sites and used as a commodity. Our very ambitious goal right now is diverting all organic waste in Gauteng to compost, by venturing into agriculture commercially, through a project that is close to my heart — One Household, One Garden — that brings people closer to the environment, beyond waste recycling. If we set a milestone like this for ourselves, we can start the process and make it happen. Over 11 million tonnes of organic waste are going to landfill each year, which is totally unnecessary, and something needs to be done. WSE: Which three adjectives describe your strengths? WSE: What does the SAB KickStart Programme mean to you? AM: The programme has changed the way we operate our business and has broadened our horizons and opened doors. It’s provided us with tools and has given us an appreciation of the benefits of having systems in place. It has taken us back to the basic principles of how to manage your business — the right way. And it has taught us the importance of action, and made us aware that we need to be out there ‘doing’ — so that we are seen and recognised. When the process started, we were one of the top 50 companies in the programme, and then we were one of the top 21 — which is a huge achievement in itself. WSE: What key activities would you advise aspiring entrepreneurs to spend their time doing? AM: Practising discipline. Practise discipline with your finances, your work and deadlines, and your time. Owning your own business takes 10 times more effort to keep it going. Don’t have the mentality that “It’s my company, I can get there at 10:00”. In fact, you have to get there at 05:00. Always be there when it’s important. Be there when the doors open, and be there to ensure that the work is done. WSE: What single most important piece of advice would 33-year-old Andile give to 19-year-old Andile? AM: Listen to yourself. Listen to your gut and take your own advice. Don’t listen to Mom — who really has your best interests at heart, but wants you to have that ‘profession’ in a professional capacity, like a lawyer, or an engineer. Business is where your heart is, and what you want. It is your talent. It is your calling. Follow it. WSE: If you were to write a book about yourself, what would the title be? AM: 10 Baby Steps to One Great Stride. WSE: Where to from here? What are your future aspirations? AM: Future aspirations for my business is to create awareness for the people of South Africa, so that they can see waste as a commodity. I’d like to help create systems to make it easier to see waste as part of the economy. I also aspire to be an example to young girls; to show them that anything is possible. That despite humble beginnings, they are capable of building empires. All it takes is a vision, strong drive, and hard work! Over 11 million tonnes of organic waste are going to landfill each year, which is totally unnecessary, and something needs to be done. AM: Passionate. Compassionate. Goal- driven. The awards The SAB KickStart winners were announced at an awards ceremony held on 28 November 2018, by which time the 21 young entrepreneurs selected as finalists had created a total of 178 jobs in their respective communities as a result of the support provided by the programme. As one of two finalists in the environment category, Andile did not win in her category, but regards 28 herself and Green Output Solutions as winners regardless. The SAB KickStart Programme has been a recipe for Green Output Solutions’ success every step of the way, and for that, Andile is extremely grateful. From helping entrepreneurs gain access to market, assistance with business opportunities in large companies, assistance with aligning to big business supply chain requirements, and opportunities offered within targeted market linkages, Andile could not have asked for more. Water Sewage & Effluent January/February 2019 Green Output Solutions has benefitted greatly from having been given an opportunity on the platform to increase market access, and to connect with appropriate local stakeholders within the community so that more people can adopt their services and support their business growth. In anybody’s book, that’s what makes a winner — and there’s no doubt that for Green Output Solutions, with all the insight gained from the programme in terms of business alignment and productivity, the sky is the limit. www.waterafrica.co.za