Meet the founder of the largest black-owned retail operation in SA
- A social media user, Tumelo Warona, shared the inspiring story of Tommy Makgatho
- According to Warona, Makgatho is the founder of the largest black-owned retailer in South Africa
- Makgatho reportedly made a whopping R600 million turnover in 2015 alone
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On Sunday, a social media user, Tumelo Warona, took to Twitter to share the inspiring story of a man who built an empire for himself.
Warona opened up about entrepreneur Tommy Makgatho, who founded a multi-million-rand company over three decades ago.
The business has since branched out into numerous outlets, including six in the Free State and one in Gauteng.
She captioned the post:
"Meet Ntate Tommy Makgatho, owner of Bibi Cash and Carry. The largest black-owned retail operation in SA, founded 31 years ago. He started as a waiter to now employ over 800 people, with more than R600m turnover in 2015, from his six outlets in the Free State and one in GP."
Take a look at Warona's post below:
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According to ExpertHub, Makgatho did not finish high school. He reportedly left school in 1976 at the end of Grade 11 (Std 9) to work as a waiter at a restaurant in Johannesburg.
He got his first break when a customer, who wore a cowboy hat, saw potential in him. Makgatho started working as a part-time trainee shampooist at the man's salon before qualifying as professional hairdresser.
He later quit his job and opened his own salon and within just four years, Makgatho opened six salons.
Briefly.co.za learned Makgatho ventured into the supermarket sector in 1998. He opened the first BiBi Cash & Carry Family Supermarket in QwaQwa.
Social media users were inspired by his success story and they applauded Makgatho online.
Sinesipho Seyisi, who goes by the Twitter handle @SeyisiSinesipho, commented:
"Black magic, we salute you sir."
Another tweep, @Zakhele15383062, wrote:
"Wow great news. Thanks for inspiring some of us."
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Source: Briefly News
