Nondumiso Ncisana from Impumelelo Staffing admits that she could still be comfortably ensconced in a cushy job in human resources. After all, she's been there, done that and got the t-shirt!
"It sounds corny but I want to make a difference in people's lives – and I know I can!"

This vibrant 30-something who admits to humble beginnings, growing up in a shack in Khayelitsha, sees the tangible impact that her business, Impumelelo Staffing Solutions, has on those around her.

"Through my experience in recruitment I realised there's a huge need to help people with the basics – how to apply for a job, prepare a CV, interview skills... even how to dress to create a good impression at a job interview. People don't have a clue – and that's where I come in."

Ncisana is ideally suited to offer a range of services. "If it's people you need, call me!" she quips. After all, she's worked in a firm specialising in employment equity programmes, done HR administration and then spent time in recruitment with AGA recruitment as well as Quest personnel.

"But that was in Johannesburg and while I loved the challenge of the job, I hated the traffic and the pace of the place – so returned to Cape Town."

With her desire to make a difference very obvious, it's also no surprise to find that one of her first jobs was working for the Black Sash women's movement.

"My core business is recruitment – from junior staff to executive level – but I also offer HR services: performance appraisals, job reviews etc. Then there are soft skills like training, coaching and work readiness programmes."

Having seen people doing jobs they hate purely to keep their families clothed and fed, Ncisana is keen to focus on assisting others to change their careers mid-life. "People should enjoy the work they do and derive satisfaction from it."

What prompted her to go it alone in these challenging economic times? "It was a combination of a number of things. When working for established firms I proposed certain things but realised that there was too much red tape involved and changing things would take time because of the structure and size of the organisations as well as the nature of bureaucracy. I was impatient... I realised I had the skills – and the desire – to start my own business. I can make things happen – and happen quickly – as well as making a difference to peoples' lives."

Pragmatic and hard working, Ncisana realises it's going to be tough but she stresses that she's in for the long haul. "The only person who can make this a success is me!" She also admits that she had former colleagues offering financial assistance in setting up her company but realised she'd ultimately not be her own boss. "I'd still be answering to someone rather than calling the shots."

When she first heard that the Shanduka Black Umbrellas programme was providing offices, telephones, fax, computers, vehicle and driver, bookkeeping services and a structured mentorship programme she wondered what the catch was! "All that for R1 000 a month?! It sounded too good to be true ..."

Since she could afford the fee, she applied and was accepted. "While the whole package is beneficial, the mentoring is particularly good for me. Having the project manager on the premises on hand for immediate consultation is fantastic. I am forever bouncing ideas off Thabo Zwane (project manager) and having him challenge me. He is really good about providing a different perspective and for making you have a plan A, B and C!"

When asked what advice she'd offer to other potential entrepreneurs, Ncisana is typically straightforward. "You've got to be passionate. You have to eat, sleep, dream and breathe your business – but you also have to be prepared to overcome obstacles and face up to challenges. If you don't have the drive and belief you'll quit at the first hiccup."

She's frank in admitting that in the past year she too has considered going back to salaried employment – "but that would be the easy way out. I want to make it on my own and be an example to others. Just as I was inspired by some of the women I worked for who had started their own businesses – and made great successes of them, so I want to be successful."