Cape Transport is thriving in post apartheid South Africa

Belhar businessman is realising the dream his grandfather was forced to abandon in apartheid South Africa.  Theo Piet, owner of Groepe's Logistics CC, said his grandfather, Groepe Piet, was a successful businessman, who like many other black businessmen of his time was unable to sustain his venture because of a lack of support from the former apartheid government.

Today his grandson is living his dream, specialising in the transportation of goods between towns and cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, Durban and East London.

He launched the company in January last year, six years after his grandfather, who had been in the transport business for 30 years, died at age 99.

""I was inspired and motivated by my grandfather while he was alive. I also developed a great interest and passion for the transport business and his wish was that one of our family members start this kind of business in the democratic South Africa."

The young Piet, who named his business after his grandfather, said he started exploring the concept while working for Bronel Trucking, a transport company in Kraaifontein, and at Tata Truck in Blackheath as a diesel mechanic. He had also participated in an apprenticeship programme with the Multi Mec, a division of Golden Arrow Business Services in Epping in 1994. When he felt he was ready, Piet financed the business with his pensions.

More than a year later he has progressed well and said he learnt many things along the way. Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image.Piet, whose slogan is 'night or day we go anywhere', said he was keeping his clients happy by ensuring that his company rendered a good service and delivered its clients' goods in good condition.. He said the business was also growing and had the potential to grow even more.

A father of three, he only had one truck when he launched the business, but had since increased his fleet to four - taking on two casual drivers when the workload demanded it.

"I started the business on my own and have been performing all the business functions." said Piet, who plans to grow his staff complement as the business expands

He visited the Red Door offices in Mitchell's Plain in August last year to obtain advice and any skills that could help the business grow. Red Door is an initiative of the provincial government and supports small businesses in terms of business advice and other services. There, Piet was assisted by business advisor Donovan Stevens, who helped him with his business plan.

Piet's plans for his business include competing with the bigger transport companies in the Western Cape, and he is determined to one day play a key role in the transport industry by providing a cost effective service and participating in the growth and development of the province's economy.

Did he have any advice for aspirant entrepreneurs and other small business owners?

Piet said people needed to conduct good market research before starting a business and then develop a passion for the business they were in.