Africa Business Communities

[Startup Interview] Mpho Muvhango, Founder, GPD Consulting, South Africa

Mpho Muvhango is an expert in digital publicity and communications, an experience gained in her studies and career to-date. She started her company, GPD Consulting, in 2015.

Her interview with Africa Business Communities:

Please introduce GPD Consulting

GDP Consulting is chic, upbeat digital marketing, communications and interior design boutique located in Johannesburg Westrand in a township called Kagiso. It is owned by myself and Mandy Manya. The company is financed by both owners; we pulled our funds together and got it up and running.

What is your business background?

I worked as a freelance journalist for Media 24 under Daily Sun in 2012, then a receptionist at Galbraith group in 2013 where I moved up to office coordinator same year, then I did Social Media  administration, digital marketing management, and office management  for Media101 which is also under the Galbraith group. In 2014 I officially got promoted to client manager under Media 101 and then Junior Account Manager in 2015 February. Finally I landed a Marketing and PR assistant position at Swagefast, which was the last company I worked for.

Why did you start GDP Consulting?

I know a lot of people who have businesses that either have great products or services that are not well marketed. It seems a lot of business owners do not understand the impact of having the right corporate identity and image for their target market to relate to and so I decided I would be the solution to this problem  and offer services that help in creating and redesigning  companies’ corporate Images.

Who are your (target) clients?

Our clients are are self-employed personnel, small-medium and large businesses, authors, fashion designers and celebrity icons; basically anyone who needs marketing, communications and Interior design services.

How would you describe the Startup Environment in South Africa in terms of support given by the government?

I would say the startup environment varies from one person to another; it depends on the kind of business you plan to start as not every business is deemed ‘worthy’ to receive funding from the government. The government supports and funds manufacturing businesses as these are believed to contribute towards the country’s economic growth. Non-manufacturing businesses would find themselves having a hard time getting attention from the government.

What roles do banks and investors play towards startups in South Africa?

Banks offer debt finances, when the situation so permits.  The government has targeted the SMME sector as an economic empowerment vehicle for previously disadvantaged people. As a result, SMMEs have received significant attention and investment, ranging from the establishment of state-initiated projects to supportive legislation, a variety of funding institutions and government incentives through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

How effective is crowd funding as a tool for startups in South Africa?

Crowd funding is hard work. On many sites, the vast majority of people who try crowd funding fail to meet their goal. But for those who plan ahead, prepare properly and execute a plan the right way, the chances of success are much greater, so I wouldn’t right it off as an option in SA today.

What can GPD Consulting do that other companies cannot?

GPD Consulting constitutes of experts at formulating, planning, executing and monitoring high impact marketing strategies that bring value to businesses as well as customers. Marketing cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach.  You cannot download a set marketing plan template and adapt it to your business. As every business is different, they also have different goals, different customers and different ways of communicating with these customers. Through compelling strategy sessions, we delve head first into businesses to define their brand in the market and examine how to build a customized brand experience that fosters customer loyalty.

What does GPD Consulting need to be able to grow at this point?

We need financing and more customers. We would also appreciate a bit of guidance towards growing this business to its peak capacity.

What are your ambitions in terms of (international) markets, growth?

We would love to see GPD Consulting opening other offices in other countries which would help with employment and economic growth. There is a shortage of employment within the Communications, Public relations and Interior design industry and our company would serve to reduce this gap if we could have multiple other offices all over the world.

www.za.linkedin.com/pub/mpho-muvhango

www.gpdconsulting.wordpress.com

www.twitter.com/GPDConsulting07

 

Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with startup businesses in Africa. Are you a startup and interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba: andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com

Share this article