Ekurhuleni based entrepreneur Madodana Sokhela started a business with a difference after identifying a gap in the building and maintenance of swimming pools.
The company, MVS Global Pools, which he started without start-up capital in 2014, has expanded its capacity to undertake complete construction projects, major renovations and ongoing maintenance. He currently employs 11 people, providing work in construction, plumbing and general maintenance.
MVS Global Pools offers services ranging from constructing swimming pools from scratch to renovations, fibreglass installations, resurfacing, leak detection, plumbing repairs and regular pool maintenance.
It also provides pool pumps, filter installations, water treatment and chemical balancing, catering to homeowners and property owners with different budgets and requirements.
Sokhela, 35, of KwaThema in Springs also specialises in swimming pool construction, renovations and maintenance.
Inspired by his brother who runs a construction company, he set up MVS Global Pools without capital after watching his older sibling build and manage his own enterprise.
Sokhela said he had to work hard, reinvest whatever he earned and gradually acquire the equipment needed to grow the business.
Creating employment has become one of the most rewarding aspects of running the business for Sokhela, particularly as he hopes to expand opportunities for young people willing to learn practical skills.
“When I started, my main goal was simply to survive and build a successful business. As the company grew, I realised that I was also creating opportunities for other people to earn a living and support their families,” he said.
Sokhela said rising prices of construction materials, chemicals, equipment, fuel and labour have made it increasingly difficult to maintain affordable prices while keeping the business profitable.
He also highlighted cash-flow pressures, explaining that swimming pool construction requires significant upfront spending on materials, transport and wages. Delayed client payments can further complicate financial management.
Seasonal demand presents another challenge, with business activity generally increasing during spring and summer as homeowners prepare their pools for use.
To counter the winter slowdown, the company promotes renovations, resurfacing, fibreglass repairs and leak repairs, encouraging clients to upgrade their pools before the warmer months.
Social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp, have also become important marketing tools, allowing the business to showcase completed projects and before-and-after transformations.
Looking ahead, he hopes to expand operations, invest in better equipment, take on larger projects and strengthen the company’s online presence.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start with the resources available to them rather than wait for perfect conditions.
“Never underestimate the power of starting small. Focus on doing every job properly, because one satisfied customer can open doors to many more opportunities,” he said.
