Beautiful creations from old tyres puts Benathi on road to success
Benathi Makiyela has mastered the art of turning trash into treasure, with his creations on display in guest houses, parks, pubs and homes.
The 24-year-old from KwaBhaca started his business in 2018 collecting and recycling old tyres and creating beautiful chairs, tables, flower pots and playground toys.
The young entrepreneur said he was inspired by media personality and businessman Sibusiso Leope, who is also known as DJ Sbu, and entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Vusi Thembekwayo.
Makiyela said he would read and watch videos of his two role models to gain inspiration to eventually start Makiyela Tyre Recycling and Cleaning Services.
Image: SUPPLIED
“When I was young I wanted to become a soccer star. I played in the ABC Motsepe league, but things did not work out.
“In 2016, I lost my father, which worsened my situation. Things became more hectic and I nearly gave up on life,” Makiyela, an agriculture economics student, said.
“A friend of mine, Malwande Mhlekazi Mgotywa, made me realise how good I am in business and leadership.
“Because things did not go well in sport for both of us, we then gave a try in business looking at our leadership skills and business knowledge we got from our role models.”
Makiyela said he managed to get a welder for frames, a lawyer for all legal related matters and an accountant for financial related matters.
“At the moment we are selling beautiful and unique chairs and tables for parks, pubs, BnBs, guest houses, taverns and homes in Alice and surrounding areas. We also do grass cutting and painting.”
It takes Makiyela about seven to 10 days to complete a set of four chairs and table. Items such as flower pots and swings take a day or two to complete.
“I consider myself a jack all of trades and master of all talents. I am willing to learn about everything in the business,” he said.
“My aspirations are to open branches across the province and expand in the country by producing high quality products and offer best services.
“I want to create more job opportunities for both educated and uneducated youth.”
Makiyela is also the founder and organiser of UFH Dandies, an organisation of young men whose aim and objective to build a better nation by grooming young men.
“I teach them how to develop self-love, appreciation, confidence, self-esteem, respect and discipline and also we go in deep explaining the difference between fashion and style.”
Makiyela is also a fashion model under the small growing agency called Royalty Models, owned by masters student at the University of Fort Hare in Alice, Pretty Mqolweni.
Those looking to place orders can do so via WhatsApp on 062-616-6503, call 079-021-5397 or visit Makiyela’s Facebook page.