The Branson Centre is propelling small businesses into the big time...

Entrepreneur(s): Simon Yiga & Gideon Mulovhedzi

Afropark
"We hope to be a leader in the inner city, not just in parking management but broader inner city revival."
 
Meet the entrepreneurs:
Giving up a prosperous career to start your own business is a brave move, especially in the current economic climate. But it’s paying off for Simon Yiga. He used to work in IT and business consultancy for Accenture and over the last six years achieved success in the corporate world of telecommunications. But in 2010, he decided it was time for a new challenge. Simon met his future business partner Gideon Mulovhedzi when he was renting a flat, and Gideon was a security guard of the building. Gideon was always talking about ideas for businesses and it led Simon to invest in the idea that became their business together.
 
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Yashwin Bagwandeen

The golden opportunity:
Car ownership is increasing in Johannesburg as the city’s economy develops, but buildings,
particularly in the Central Business District, either have no parking at all or inadequate facilities for
people to leave their vehicles. It’s why more people need safe and convenientvplaces to park as they go about their business in the city centre.

 

“The city centre of Johannesburg is my main focus area and my passion for it stems from its huge potential to truly be an inspired African icon,” says Simon.
The business in a nutshell:
Afropark is an inner city parking management company, managing parking facilities for Johannesburg CBD property owners and providing safe, convenient and affordable parking. They provide professional and friendly staff to manage the car park 24 hours a day, seven days a week using CCTV camera equipment. They also offer parking bays which can be rented on an hourly, daily or monthly basis. And they manage the parking of the building where they met.

We hope to be a leader in the inner city, not just in parking management but broader inner city revival.
  - Simon Yiga  

How it’s helping the community:
Gideon and Simon employ mainly inner city residents to run their car parks, most of whom were previously unemployed. They aim to give each employee a career development plan, to ensure employees are progressing whilst working for them. They also use locally-made equipment, such as the barriers to the car park entrance/exit. Afropark contributes to the economic development of Johannesburg’s CBD, something the two entrepreneurs are passionate about.

 

The future looks bright:
Gideon and Simon employ mainly inner city residents to run their car parks, most of whom were previously unemployed. They aim to give each employee a career development plan, to ensure employees are progressing whilst working for them. They also use locally-made equipment, such as the barriers to the car park entrance/exit. Afropark contributes to the economic development of Johannesburg’s CBD, something the two entrepreneurs are passionate about. Afropark UK
How can you help:
Gideon and Simon would appreciate advice on a number of topics:
  • Marketing
  • Sales and negotiation skills
  • Opportunities for mentorship
  • Access to business networks for potential partnerships with larger businesses
  • Have some tips? Then emai them to: advice.southafrica@thebransoncentre.org

Got what it takes to become a Branson Centre Entrepreneur?

Then what are you waiting for? We would love to hear from you please outline your business plan to us using the link below.
Application form for the Entrepreneur Development Program
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