Moti’s call to action

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

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, he's challenging successful business leaders to join him in backing and shaping South Africa's next generation of entrepreneurs.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 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. Moti believes that 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," Moti says. "Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind economic growth and innovation. To truly make a difference, business leaders must step up, providing not only financial support but also mentorship, skills training, and access to networks that empower new entrepreneurs to succeed."

Moti's own entrepreneurial journey began when he was just 18 years old, armed with an idea and the courage to walk into multiple banks seeking a loan to found his first business, Future Seal. 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 and 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."

For all those considering entrepreneurship, Moti shares his own practical advice, gleaned from his years of experience. "Start where you are," he advises. "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. 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."

Moti also emphasizes the importance of testing your concept before investing heavily. "Start small and prove your concept before taking on the burden of a major loan or committing all your savings to your new venture," he advises. "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."

Finally, Moti stresses the importance of building networks and finding a mentor. "Visit social and business gatherings and workshops regularly to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and businesspeople," he recommends. "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 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," he concludes. "It's up to you to make it happen."