Staff Writer
Born and raised in Mamelodi Township, Pretoria, Marishane imagined himself one day charting unimagined territories in the world of engineering and design. He even tried his hand at mock engineering and design and won a school competition, impressing to the judges that he was no ordinary high school learner. As circumstances would have it, Marishane could not get into university and opted instead, like so many black South African school leavers, to look for a job.
Determination, being the door-kicker that it is brought Marishane to the IT Industry through a learnership program. After successfully acquiring A+ & N+ Qualifications, he found himself on the door step of Softline Pastel Accounting. He served the company in (as he puts it) literally every area of the business and still being passed over for promotions, mentoring and honing for management, Marishane approached his employer for an opportunity to offer a personal service to their clients, something they had not had the foresight to offer.
And so M Power IT Solutions was born. This proudly South African, wholly black and youth owned business provides a bouquet of accounting and record keeping services to Softline Pastel clients as well as sources services and products required by small and growing businesses. Part of Marishane’s vision is to use M Power IT as a catalyst into unchartered waters since black entrepreneurs are viewed and reported by national and international researchers on small business development as less innovative and more cautious risk takers than other SB entrepreneurs worldwide.
A doting father of three. He is an adoring and committed partner to his fiancé. Marishane shares a few lessons with his life story: his earlier mistakes make him a stronger, more focused person today. He enjoys a rich human experience and is free to chase after his dreams and aspirations, even though his spring board into this wonderful life was hardship and challenges. Mpho Marishane’s story is testimony of a teaching of Dr Martin Luther King Jnr when he said, “Not everyone can be famous but every person can be great because greatness is in being of service to others”
Congratulations Mpho Marishane, our deserving GMC Entrepreneur of the Month- February 2014!!!!
© Grace Mashabela Consulting PTY (Ltd), March 2014