From waterproofing roofs at the age of 18 to building one of the country’s most successful business empires, renowned businessman, investor, and philanthropist Zunaid Moti knows firsthand how even a small company can lead to far greater things. Now, in honour of Global Entrepreneurship Week from 18 to 24 November, he’s challenging other successful business leaders to join him in backing and shaping South Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports that 11.1% of South Africans were busy launching businesses in 2023 or had already started a business in the preceding 42 months, with seven out of 10 entrepreneurs motivated by a lack of job opportunities.

“These numbers point to both the unlocked potential of entrepreneurship in South Africa, as well as the challenges. More people are gradually stepping into entrepreneurship, but many are doing it out of necessity rather than opportunity – which stems from the lack of support and guidance available for young entrepreneurs.

“However, business owners are the heart of a country’s economy. They’re the job creators, and the drivers of change and innovation. So, the best way for business leaders to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week is to actively support entrepreneurship, and encourage entrepreneurs to take that first step.

“Beyond addressing the issue of access to capital, we need to begin teaching entrepreneurs how to get started. As my own story shows, if you’re motivated enough, you can start with nothing and still grow a business that spans the continent, or provides enough income to both support yourself and your family, and leave a legacy.”

Successful entrepreneurs should invest in others

Fresh out of school and armed only with an idea, Moti found the courage to walk into multiple banks seeking a loan to found his first business, Future Seal, after spotting an opportunity in roof waterproofing. He soon moved on to bigger things, and by the age of 22, he’d launched and sold FutureFin, an innovative vehicle financing company, before setting his sights on the mining and minerals industry.

In 2023, after many successful decades in business marked by major wins as well as hard lessons learned, Moti established the MotiMoves business intervention programme. Through MotiMoves, he invests in small businesses provides entrepreneurs with hands-on, practical mentorship and advice during the early stages of their start-ups.

Moti is now calling on other South Africans to help replicate the success of the MotiMoves model. “Today, I’m challenging every established business leader to commit to mentoring at least two other entrepreneurs in 2025 through those difficult first steps, supported by practical investment – even if it’s a relatively small amount. If even 100 business owners did this, we could see 200 new, functional businesses by the end of next year.”

Using the tools at your disposal to find success

For all those considering entrepreneurship, Moti shares three of his own practical tips from MotiMoves:

1. Start where you are:

The first and most crucial step in kickstarting a business is finding an idea which offers a solution to an existing need in the market. “Often, the best place to look is in your immediate environment,” he says. “The smallest thing can spark an idea. Look around your home and speak to people in your community. I promise that you’ll eventually identify a problem that’s going unaddressed.

One example is a local community that needs access to fresh produce. “In this example, you could begin by visiting farmer’s markets, buying what you can sell, and gradually expanding. You could then look to gradually develop relationships with farmers to negotiate better deals and eventually grow into a wholesaler.”

2. Test before you invest

Start small and prove your concept before taking on the burden of a major loan or committing all your savings to your new venture. By starting small, you should be able to fund the first few weeks of your business, and you may even be able to work part-time while it gets off the ground.

“When you’ve established a track record, you can approach a bank for a business loan, or bring an investor on board to help you scale up in return for a share of the profits. Alternatively, business incubation programmes can offer a valuable opportunity to learn, develop your idea with professional assistance, and secure funding.”

3. Build networks and find a mentor

Visit social and business gatherings and workshops regularly to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Discussing your business may help you develop your ideas, or open the door to new opportunities and business partnerships for growing your venture.

A mentor can also offer invaluable guidance and support, especially for entrepreneurs just starting on their journeys. Moti recommends looking to your personal circle. “You probably already know a businessperson or someone who can introduce you to one. Ask if they’re willing to have a half-hour discussion about your business a few times a month, or can take a call if you need advice.”

Moti believes that ultimately, the most important requirement for becoming an entrepreneur is having the self-motivation and persistence to do what is needed, no matter the cost. “At the end of the day, your future is in your hands. It’s up to you to make it happen,” he concludes.