PROFILE TM ELECTRICAL PROJECTS & SUPPLIES
What began as one man’ s determination to turn his technical skills into a livelihood has developed into a business making a real difference across KwaZulu-Natal. TM Electrical Projects and Supplies, founded by entrepreneur Thuthuka Mfeka, is more than just an electrical services provider – it’ s a story of grit, growth and responsibility.
Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Mfeka was exposed to entrepreneurship early on.“ My parents ran a security company and spaza shops. Business was always part of our home,” he recalls.
After completing school, he studied at a trade school where he learned mechanics, carpentry and electrical work. This foundation would later shape the direction of his business. Mfeka went on to study computer science and education, eventually joining the electricity department at the local municipality, where he worked for 10 years.
Throughout these challenges, his sense of duty to his team kept him grounded.“ There were times I wanted to quit, but I looked at my employees – some have been with me since 2015. Their loyalty kept me going.”
That commitment shows in the partnerships the company maintains. TM Electrical collaborates with organisations like Great Impact Consulting and Zama Modular Buildings, helping to build homes for vulnerable families by donating electrical labour and materials. The company also supports technical colleges by giving artisan students a chance to gain practical experience through work placements.
Mfeka is particularly proud of what the company has achieved financially without outside funding.
“ We’ ve never received external funding. We work, buy our tools, and pay off our assets to stay cash-flow positive.”
In 2013, he registered TM Electrical, and five years later, made the decision to leave his municipal job to run the business fulltime.“ I started with a bakkie and two assistants,” he says.“ Today, we have 15 full-time electricians and assistants, and we bring in additional workers depending on the project.”
While access to bank finance has been limited, TM Electrical has managed to secure long-term municipal contracts, including a three-year deal for infrared scanning services. The business is now preparing to expand into the private sector.
On a recent contract at Midway Crossing, the company employed seven full-time staff and hired an additional 22 locals from the area – part of Mfeka’ s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities and transferring skills. TM Electrical also supplies materials for school projects, combining business with a focus on education.
Turnover has grown consistently over the past three years, ranging between R2m and R5m. The target for 2025 is ambitious: to double revenue and reach R40m. A key part of that plan is improving the company’ s CIDB grading from Level Seven to Level Nine, which would allow it to bid for projects worth up to R200m.
You must just start. You’ ll learn as you go. Everything is on the other side of fear.
Like many entrepreneurs, Mfeka has had to weather some serious setbacks. In 2015, he extended credit to a business partner’ s renovation firm, which later folded, leaving TM Electrical with an unpaid bill of R850 000.“ I had to pay suppliers back in instalments— it took seven years. I paid the last instalment just after the Covid-19 lockdown was lifted,” he shares.
The experience left a lasting impact.“ It taught me to honour my debts, protect my reputation, and understand contract law. Now I always ensure payments are secured through cession agreements.”
For Mfeka, though, success has never just been about profit.“ It’ s no longer about making money for me. It’ s about providing work for others and helping families survive.”
His daughter, now 16, is already involved in the business, helping in the office with reception and filing; carrying the legacy forward, one task at a time.
Looking ahead, Mfeka hopes TM Electrical will outlast him.“ I want the company to last 50 to 60 years,” he says.“ Someone must take over and continue what we started.”
His advice for entrepreneurs is direct:“ You must just start. You’ ll learn as you go. Everything is on the other side of fear.”
In Mfeka’ s case, that fear gave way to something more lasting: a purpose that powers communities, builds careers, and lights the way for future generations. ■
SA PROFILE www. saprofilemagazine. co. za
61