From a small mining town in Welkom, Mary Nthatisi, then Director of Local Economic Development at the local municipality, was forced to discover industries of a different kind due to the closing down of the office. Her fascination grew when she stumbled into the printing industry, and she has never looked back.

Nthatisi’s daughter, Likeleli Margaret Mkhaba, later joined the business as co-director, bringing a fresh, youthful, dynamic perspective to the organisation and demonstrating her place as one of the “young people in different spaces” that have stood to the challenge of codirecting a company. She says that while the task has been overwhelming at times, she has learned a lot in the process. To help her along the way, she attends short courses given by PrintingSA, which there are members of, equipping herself with the necessary skills to manage the business and ensure its success.

With succession top of mind for this mother-daughter duo, plans are already afoot to steer Nthatisi’s grandson to follow in the respective Directors’ footsteps, carrying the legacy they are building into the following generations.

Katleho Printers and Packaging had a humble beginning in 2010, after registering in 2009, situated in the living room of Nthatisi’s home. However, that was not the final plan; its growth over the years has taken it from the living room to Montana, Pretoria, with short term plans to move to a more extensive establishment in Randburg.

Nthatisi believes that if you want something done the right way or at all, do it yourself, and with her vision of printing and packaging for the pharmaceutical and food industries, she knocked on every door she could think of. Katleho Printers and Packaging became a Siyakhula beneficiary in 2019, which allowed her to work through a business management training programme, which has assisted tremendously in the upward progress of the company.

Katleho Printers and Packaging is now rapidly climbing the ladder to success with significant companies enquiring about their services and numerous printing jobs on the table. Barloworld and Tiger Brands have promising contracts for their company when they complete their compliance phase. Once they are fully compliant, Likeleli would like to begin a programme that will accommodate youth learners, teaching them the ins and outs of the packaging sector and developing their skills in the printing industry.

One challenge remaining for their company is access to markets. Still, there are hopes that Siyakhula will open more doors for Katleho Printers and Packaging so that 2022 will become a more prosperous year for the organisation. Nthatisi reminds those walking a similar journey to conduct their approach with integrity and honesty and always carry an attitude of confidence, remembering that no matter how big the challenge is, there is always a solution through seeking guidance. Likeleli reminds us that the business environment is ever-changing, and dedication and commitment are incredibly critical for success; otherwise, one will not survive. Starting a business should always be done for the right reasons, with young entrepreneurs doing well to identify their passion first so that when challenges arise, that same passion can sustain them through the trials that will most certainly come.

KATLEHO PRINTERS AND PACKAGING
Tel: +27 67 099 4961
+27 83 856 2155
Email:nthatisi@katlehoprinters.co.za
Website: www.katlehoprinters.co.za
Address: 328 Election Close, Kya Sands Randburg 2163

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