Ayanda Mdluli
“EVERY morning I come in, sit down with the team and the production guys, and plan the coming week. We compare sketches,” says Lebogang Khitsane. “And by the way, we introduced the concept of drawing on tombstones in the local industry. We do about 50 portraits on tombstones every month.”
He is a businessman hard at work and trying to entertain us at the same time. His phone does not stop ringing.
Innovation is key to the company. “We are always looking for something new,” he says while we drive to the cemetery. Lebogang is a top 12 contestant on The Big Break, a reality television show that will award a R5 million investment prize to the winner.
Khitsane owns a tombstone manufacturing company called Bataung Memorial Tombstones. It was established in 2005 and has sold more than 7 000 tombstones to date.
While we drive through the township of Katlehong, I notice graffiti on the walls close to the main road that are advertising services, from tilers and party planners to motor spares and crèches.
There are many businesses advertising their services and they probably all have a special story to tell.
When we get out of the car at South Park Cemetery in Elsburg, he points to one of his trademark tombstones, his father’s grave. The tombstone is made of granite with his father’s portrait engraved on it.
“This man inspired me, taught me everything I know. Come I’ll show you some more.”
He says a short prayer. His eyes light up when he talks about his family. He is married with three children. He says he met his wife Maria 13 years ago and they have been married for the past six years.
Khitsane says he is instilling the values of business in his children. He took them on a working holiday, they saw the various suppliers that produce the goods for the business.
“There is so much to do and I want to involve my kids in business. My wife is also involved in the business, she runs the Vosloorus showroom.”
On our way back to his head office, we talk about soccer. We both support Kaizer Chiefs and he reveals that the owner of the club, Kaizer Motaung, is one of his favourite businessmen.
“I look up to Kaizer Motaung. He has a vision, look at his club today. He focused on soccer and he made it.
“I will focus on tombstones and granite. That works for me. Kaizer Motaung showed that patience, dedication and commitment are key to establishing a successful business.”
After a tour of the premises, we head to Anka’s Kitchen in Spruitview. It is relaxed and spacious, the ideal end to a day spent with a gentleman who could be the next big thing in the world of entrepreneurship.
n The Big Break reality television show airs on SABC2 from February next year.