Friends and business partners Vuyo Thethani (26) and Tiheli Felix (27) talk to us about running their construction company, TT&V Group.
WHEN DID YOU FINISH SCHOOL?
Vuyo: I finished matric in 2006.I was a head prefect at St Dominic’s College in Welkom.
Tiheli: 2006
WHAT DID YOU STUDY AFTER MATRIC?
Vuyo: I studied quantity surveying (QS) because I was good with numbers. It was either that or accounting, and QS made more sense to me as I was infatuated with architecture and most making a difference. I wanted to be part of making people’s lives better by constructing roads, RDP houses, schools and hospitals.
Tiheli: Initially I wanted to study architecture as I was more interested in the design aspect of the built environment. Unfortunately, the architecture class was full and I had to go with my second option – QS.
WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Vuyo: I started working as an in-service trainee in Kroonstad, in 2008, and built a community hospital and clinic. I got paid R10 an hour, which was about R1 800 per month. Tough times.
Tiheli: I worked as an intern for Bokaba Refuse Removals in 2008 where I earned R2 000 per month.
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START YOUR CONSTRUCTION COMPANY?
It was always in the pipeline since our varsity days, but we started it in January 2015.
WHAT SORT OF CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WITH YOUR COMPANY?
Getting projects to work on is the most difficult part for us as an inexperienced and black company. We have not completely overcome these difficulties. We have a very focused team and are not about to give up on our dream.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES YOUR COMPANY DO?
We are a South Africa-based contractor with “in-house” residential, luxury house building, and new house building with up-market finishes, house renovations, building alterations, home improvements and house restoration divisions. We are also in the process of moving into government work by aiding with school, clinic and hospital construction.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE AND ENJOY MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
Vuyo: I love crunching numbers and seeing something start from nothing and be built into an incredible piece of architecture.
Tiheli: I enjoy working with numbers and solving puzzles. For me that is how I view construction projects, big puzzles to be solved. In addition, quantity surveyors are concerned with doing the best possible job at the best possible price. I love that challenge. Overall quantity surveying is diverse, exciting and a potentially well paying career. It offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy both the commercial and practical elements of construction.
WHAT KIND OF PERSONALITY TRAITS DOES ONE NEED TO SURVIVE IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Vuyo: Good work ethics and a never-say-die attitude.
Tiheli: Quantity surveyors need to be commercially aware, professionally trained and great communicators. The job requires a combination of technical, financial and legal knowledge, so one must be highly numerate, diligent, self-motivated and trustworthy as you would be dealing with very large figures.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW YOUR PROFESSIONAL PATH?
Vuyo: Be ready to work hard, very hard. Nothing is handed to you on a silver platter; if you have good work ethics and a thick skin, you will be successful.
Tiheli: A wise man once told me that “construction is a knowledge-based industry” – so my advice would be: know your numbers, know your clients and most importantly, know your story.
HOW IS IT LIKE WORKING AS FRIENDS?
It’s fun, but challenging. Having to know when to have fun and when to work hard. Our motto is: “There is a time for everything, work harder than you party.”
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR PERSONAL CONFLICTS DON’T INTERFERE WITH WORK?
Our motto spells it out. And working on many projects at varsity has helped us learn how to work together as a team. When it’s work time, it’s work time; and when it’s party time, it’s party time. We never let the two interfere with each other.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO START SOMETHING WITH A FRIEND?
When starting a business with a friend, you have to know each other’s weak and strong attributes. Be very disciplined and, most importantly, compatible. Make sure your weaknesses and strengths complement your partner’s.
How can one get hold of you?
Our website is currently under construction. But you can call on 083 282 7016 or email thethaniv@gmail.com and vuyot@ttv.co.za.
