While her peers went to further their studies at different tertiary institutions after matric, Mosa Moeketsi jumped right into the job market and 
made a success. She is now managing her own construction company in Johannesburg.
Moeketsi is following in the footsteps of her mother who also owns a construction company.
Plumbing
"It all started five years ago when I finished matric. At the time, I was 15 and decided to have a feel of what the construction industry is all about," said Moeketsi.
Instead of going to a university, Moeketsi completed a one-month course in plumbing. She then joined her mother's company as an intern.
"Our country is facing a serious shortage of skills in many areas and plumbing is one of those. I know that to many young people, especially women, plumbing is a no-go area because it is always linked with waste and dirt, but it's a valuable skill to have," Moeketsi said.
Gardening
After working for her mother's construction company for a year, Moeketsi left and started her own From a plumber into the JOB MARKET, then to SUCCESS gardening and landscaping company. The company did gardening and landscaping in residential areas and in small corporate firms.
"I wanted something more challenging and it was then that I decided to start my own construction company. I have always looked at my mother as a role model. So I said to myself if she can do it, I might as well give it a try."
First job
With only about R1 000 in her bank account, Moeketsi set out to start a company. She had to sell some of her personal belongings to have some extra money to get started.
She then bought tools and hired staff. Her company's first job was to repair low-cost houses.
Awards
Already her work has been noted by various business organisations and government agencies. She has won the Alexandra and Gauteng Business Leader of the Year Awards.
She has also been nominated by the Umsobomvu Youth Fund, the South African Youth Chamber of Commerce and the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) for their Youth Entrepreneurship Award.
Skills training
Seeing the serious shortage of skills among young people and school leavers, Moeketsi wants to start a training centre approved by the departments of labour and education. She also plans to give learnerships to school leavers.
"As a young person I know the difficulties faced by the youth. There are limited opportunities available for school leavers. I hope with the planned training centre I can help relieve the skills shortage. I will be working with the Umsobomvu Youth Fund on this project," Moeketsi said.
- Mbulelo Baloyi
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