With an infectious smile and positive attitude, along with business savvy, its easy to see why Zethu and her team come highly recommended, writes Katrine Anker-Nilssen.
Zethu Radebe was born 35 years ago in Hlokozi near Ixopo, where she grew up and attended school. After matric, she obtained certificates in both Pest Control and HIV/AIDS Counselling, before moving into insurance; selling policies for Old Mutual. But this did not give her the job satisfaction she craved.
Although she learnt a lot when it comes to customer service and more at Old Mutual, she puts it all down to her late mom – who taught her everything she needed to know about starting and running a business. “My mom was an inspiration to me and taught me that the customer is always right. Because without the customer, you have no business,” smiles Zethu.
In 2019 Zethu relocated from Cato Ridge to Shongweni Dam with her husband and now five-year-old son, and created her business Zethu Grass Installations. Starting out with only two guys, today Zethu employs five and sometimes hires casual labour on top of that – when she has bigger contracts. “I am so happy I am able to provide a livelihood for five guys and their families,” she says.
Zethu does mostly lawns, but also a little landscaping and pest control. Right now she is busy with a big contract at Queensburgh Girls’ High School. Her work comes through word-of-mouth and referrals, but she plans to create a website soon – knowing it adds credibility.
Taking huge pride in her work, Zethu is always on time and feels follow-ups are very important. “The best part of my job is when I have laid the grass down and it looks lovely and neat. Everyone should have some greenery in their life – it just makes everything more beautiful!”
A challenge has been transport. But Zethu saved carefully for a year, and in 2020 bought a secondhand five-ton truck. “I am hoping to get more big contracts – such as school grounds maintenance,” she says. But no job is too small for her and her great enthusiasm. With a recent sponsorship from Lasher, there’s no stopping Zethu from growing and touching more hearts, and lawns, in our community.
FOR MORE INFO call Zethu on 072 447 9466
TESTIMONIALS“We have used Zethu to replace different areas of lawn on three different occasions on our property in Westville. All I can say is: wow! Her pride in her work, friendly attitude, and always putting the client first, impressed me. And if she says they will be there at 9am, they are. Would not use anyone else, she is a star.” – Wendy Roux. “Zethu is responsible and reliable. She arrives on time and does what she says she will do. The whole experience with her has been amazing, her group of guys are great too – and I love that she works with them. She has great knowledge about which type of grass you need, and lets you know exactly how to look after it.” – Janet Atkinson. |