By Everson Luhanga
- A former bank employee now runs a cabinet business that employs about 21 people and supports many more families through suppliers and services.
- The business grew from a small carpentry partnership into a full workshop making custom cupboards for homes and offices.
Every morning, Dipuo Phakathi opens her workshop knowing her business is keeping more than one family alive.
Phakathi, in her early forties, is the owner of Denic Cabinets. She brings engineering training and years of corporate experience into the work she now does full time.
She previously worked in banking but left her job to focus on the cabinet business after struggling with poor service during a home renovation.
Frustrated, she partnered with a carpenter and began building cupboards herself. That small start grew into Denic Cabinets.
Today, the business designs, builds and installs custom cabinetry for homes and offices. As demand increased, Phakathi moved into a larger workspace and expanded her team to around 21 employees.
Each job supports a household. Local suppliers and service providers also earn from every project.
“Every cabinet we build supports many lives beyond just this workshop,” Phakathi said.
Running the business comes with challenges. Access to finance, new machinery and better systems remains difficult as the company grows.
Still, Phakathi believes discipline and constant learning keep her moving forward.
“I did not wait for the perfect opportunity. I created one,” she said. “This business gives me control over my future and allows me to create work for others.”
She said the business has survived tough economic times by staying flexible and focusing on quality.
Even when money is tight, customers still invest in long lasting work for their homes.
Her message to unemployed South Africans is simple: start with the skills you already have, learn more and keep going.
Pictured above: Dipuo Phakathi at the Denic Cabinets workshop where she designs and builds custom cabinetry.
Image source: Supplied
