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9
outh contractor
those who have started
their own businesses. They will re-
quire these skills to implement their
projects and run their businesses and
participants will be absorbed into the
sector. Wewill also engagewith other
contractors as it is an accredited
programme, participants can apply
anywhere and are not restricted in
any way. We are trying to create that
exposure for them.”
The programme is a great oppor-
tunity to receive skills training. He
says, “Knowledge is the one thing
that can never be taken away from
you.” But, it depends on the indi-
vidual as it is crucial to have a vision
and a passion, says Littler. “Busi-
ness has its ups and downs and if
you are in it for the right reasons,
regardless of the challenges, your
passion will carry you through to
make a success of it.”
His business is built on five key
principles: planning, implemen-
tation, monitoring, innovation
and mentorship.
Planning gives direction on
where you want to go and that
what you have planned on
paper will work on the ground;
and that is where
i m p l e m e n t a t i o n
comes in and other key
elements including
monitoring. “The key-
stone of the business
is quality, not just for
our clients but for our
beneficiaries as well.”
This requires proper
planning, implementa-
tion and monitoring.
“My biggest advantage is that I
am young and innovation is crucial
for me,” says the 29-year-old. “New
technology allows us to keep up to
date within the industry – where we
are, what we are planning and where
we are heading – in this ever changing
industry.”
On winning the Govan Mbeki
Award for Best Youth Contractor, he
says, “I am still trying to find a feel-
ing to explain it. I wouldn’t say that
it was the cherry on top, it was more
of an affirmation that one is on the
right track and it exposed me to a lot
of opportunities. I heeded the call.”
His one wish is to see more
young people participating in this
industry. “I feel that once we do that,
we will automatically contribute to
the elimination of unemployment.
And, once doors are opened it will af-
ford others’ opportunities. You can’t
run a one man show when building
houses, you need to build a good
team around you and once you have
the team, you lessen the high rate of
unemployment.” He really does enjoy
his job. “The best thing for me ismak-
ing a difference in peoples’ lives, and
there are tears of joy when beneficia-
ries tell you that they had lost hope
of ever owning their own homes.” His
partingwords are thought provoking:
“Build as though you are building
for your own mother, you should be
proud - and that is what I instil.”
“Business has its ups
and downs and if you are
in it for the right reasons,
regardless of the challenges,
your passion will carry you
through to make a success
of it.”
Thokozane Littler