Q: You have an immense passion for business. Tell us about your upbringing, where you grew up, and what shaped you into the person you are today.
A: I come from royal roots, and grew up in the remote area of Dwalile Royal Kraal, past Malutha, under Chief Maveletiveni Dlamini, my great-grand-father, who is the son of King Bhunu and lnkhosikati Lamabitela. I remember going to school without shoes in my early years. I did my early schooling-Grade 1 to Grade 3-at Dwalile Primary School before moving to Mbabane, where I continued my education for Grade 4 and 5. Thereafter, I went to live at my maternal homestead in South Africa with my grand-mother, where l completed Primary and High School, respectively.
Q: When did the entrepreneurial bug bite you?
A: I had a strong entrepreneurial mindset from an early age. I used to look after my grandfather’s cattle and cultivated his fields driving his tractor which gave me an understanding of responsibility and managing assets at an early age. With that understanding and through working hard and being reliable I gained my family’s trust. This enabled me to drive one of my grandfather’s seven Nissan Hardbody bakkies to school- along the way, I would pick up some of my friends and collaborate with women who sold alcohol, helping them transport empty beer crates to the depot and restock their supplies. This venture earned me a good amount of pocket money, which l used to refuel the car- so my grandfather never questioned me. I did this from 1998 to 2001 without my family knowing.
Back then, petrol was cheap, which made my side hustle even easier. The thrill of making money became addictive, and I continued with business ventures throughout high school. By the time I entered university, I was already financially independent. I even bought my first phone—a Nokia 3310—while in high school and later purchased a Nokia 3330 for my father.
I wasn’t the most dedicated student in terms of attending classes, especially when national events took place. I, however, had a cousin who took detailed notes, so I could always catch up when I returned back to school; after a national event.
Despite my love and commitment to national events, I consistently performed well in school and during school holidays worked at home in my father’s business as he ran a logistics company. I often say that I grew up around trucks. Working for my father at a relatively early age made me realize that I never wanted to work for anyone, hence I worked hard to ensure I became hard to ensure I became my own boss.
In 2004, I enrolled in tertiary to study Information Technology (IT). However, by 2007, I dropped out because I felt uninspired. I knew that my true passion lay in business, and that’s when my entrepreneurial journey took off.
Q: Where did you get the courage to drop out of university?
A: Several reasons and factors made me have crazy guts to take such a decision. It didn’t matter how I was born or how I was raised but mattered was that at the I was an adult who could look after myself. The definition of adulthood is responsibility; I had to be responsible for my future.
Before dropping out of university I used to make money by buying computer components and selling a lucrative business at the time, hence at university, I was financially independent. In fact, I paid for my university tuition, and I never relied on bursaries or scholarships. It is, however, important to clarify that I value formal education which is why I later enrolled for Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and I am currently looking to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Economics, and will later pursue an MBA.
Q: Could you tell us more about your transition into business and your decision to return to Eswatini?
A: After dropping out of university, I opened a tavern in South Africa called in 2006 called Jazz Bar. I ran it with my uncle, but by 2008, I felt it wasn’t my passion, so I sold the tavern. I wanted to return to Eswatini, and since I had always attended national events here, the transition felt natural.
Growing up in South Africa taught me to think outside the box. I didn’t rely on connections; I had to develop a mindset of thinking for myself. I didn’t want to abuse the privilege of my roots. The tough experiences helped me understand that I’m all I have.
Returning to Eswatini was a personal decision—home is where I find peace and clarity. When I face challenges, I go to my home in Dwalile to refresh and get answers. That is my sanctuary. I always tell people: never forget your roots, because your roots will make or break you. My roots and faith have played a huge role in my life, and I believe my roots have been imperative in my prayers being answered.
Q: How did you start Slomoes Corporation, and what challenges did you face during the early stages of the company?
A: Upon my return to Eswatini, I started a business with my brother, Mayibongwe Dlamini, under the name Ebandla Technologies Group. We worked together until early 2010. We parted ways because we wanted different things in life; while l was focused on growth, my brother had different priorities.
I decided to focus on my venture, Slomoes Corporation. I started offering computer lab services, supplying and maintaining computers in schools like St. Marks, St. Frances, Ka-Boyce, Saim, Evelyn Baring, Hereford’s High, and others. I initially used my name, Lucky Dlamini, to build my reputation, but as the business grew, I faced challenges because clients could not pay me the large amounts of money that they owed me. After all, the company was not formally registered.
Frustrated, I found myself without money. Luckily, I met Thulisile Dlamini-Dladla, the now President of the Business Federation of Eswatini (BUFE) who advised me to register a formal business. But there was one challenge, I didn’t have the money to register my business formally. As fate would have it, my mother gave me E5 000 to purchase some home materials, instead of spending the money on her request, I used the money to register my business, Slomoes Corporation. I didn’t tell my mother what I had done and when she found out, I promised her that she would receive interest from the money for the rest of her life- I am glad I fulfilled that promise.
Upon successfully opening my business bank account at FNB Eswatini, I received the amount I was owed by clients. The amount totalled E500,000, but interestingly the bank froze it, deeming it a suspicious transaction. I will forever be grateful to Charles Betham, my FNB business banker who helped me navigate all the bureaucracy, as the money was considered a lot back then.
Q: Slomoes Corporation has since evolved from only maintaining and supplying computer equipment to schools. What brought that transition?
A: Even though we were making a decent income, I knew that we had to grow. Being the inquisitive person I am, I scanned the environment to see where the real opportunities lay. I realized that government contracts and working with big entities is what would transform the company’s fortunes.
Everything changed in 2013 when we received a government tender from the Ministry of Education & Training, and shortly after that, we got a major security tender from the United Nations Development Programme Eswatini (UNDP) worth millions. We bought our first company car and began expanding at that time. We got staff uniforms, started advertising, and grew our team. By 2016, we were winning major tenders, including one for the Sincephetelo Motor Accident Vehicle Fund (SMVAF) to manage their security systems. We have also worked with big institutions like the United Nations, and the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), among other well-known entities.
After I bought my first personal car, people started to take note of Slomoes Corporation. They had theories about who I was some people thought Slomoes was an Indian man. I remained focused. I decided to remain anonymous while building a solid business base. Most people don’t know who l am, and I prefer it that way. I avoided certain associations to make it clear that I was building a professional business based on hard work, not inherited status.
Q: What makes Slomoes Technology stand out?
A: The answer is simple: we don’t wait for tenders. We are proactive. We propose solutions, read newspapers, identify problems, and make a lot of presentations and proposals. That’s how we secure work with government ministries, parastatals, and various clients. Another major trait that I have learned is that presentation is extremely important. In 2021, we won a massive tender worth over R25 million in South Africa, North West’s Department of Health. The tender board chose us because of our professional presentation.
Q: How have you managed to ensure that Slomoes Corporation continues to grow?
A: Hiring talented young people has been a masterstroke. I consider myself an advocate for the youth. I am highly passionate about mentoring and training young people in business. Working with young people, Slomoes Corporation has been able to develop national security systems. I believe that investment in training gives a company a better chance at success.
Looking back, I realize that faith, passion, and consistency have also been instrumental in our success. I never waste time in pointless conversations. My time is my currency, and I use it to create value. I sacrificed personal vacations, parties, and events to focus on my business, reading, learning, and finding ways to improve.
I have the mindset of a lion—always winning—and the vision of an eagle—always seeing far ahead. I am not afraid of failure because every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Success is for those who are willing, and I am always willing to work harder than anyone else to make my dreams a reality. Success is a lonely journey.
Q: What do you make about the state of business in the country?
A: There are positives to be drawn, but there is still a long way to go. Our neigbhours are ahead of us. Take Botswana for instance, if a business person wants to establish a company there, the law compels them to hire 60% locals. This works, especially in comparison to Eswatini, where foreign businesses can easily come in, make money, and leave clients with solutions that no one can maintain. These foreign businesss can leave without contributing to the local economy. In Eswatini, this does not happen, and it’s becoming a serious issue. Investors leave with our money, and government agencies don’t protect us.
This mindset of undermining local businesses while favoring foreign ones has caused irreparable damage. It’s not right for large companies to come into Eswatini, tender for contracts, and leave with millions while local businesses are left struggling. This is something I continuously challenge. The policies around tenders in Eswatini need to change. I’ve witnessed instances where tenders were awarded to foreign companies over capable local businesses. This should not be the case. If a foreign company wins a tender, it should be required to invest in the country and contribute to the local economy.
Q: What is your advice for young entrepreneurs?
A: My advice for young entrepreneurs is simple: work hard and create opportunities, and maximize your time. The one common thing God has given us on earth is time, and what you are and what you’ll become depends on how you use your time. Time can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you utilize it.
Understanding the seasons and the times in life is crucial. Also, inventory your associations take stock of the relationships or partnerships you are involved in, such as professional associations or social ones, and evaluate their significance or effectiveness in your life. These relationships are vital, as positive relationships will benefit you and help you achieve your business and life goals.
Young aspiring entrepreneurs must also go to university so that they create opportunities, build viable businesses and eventually employ other young people.
They should also research and read relevant books, not novels based on love only. Knowledge is power, and it’s essential for growth. For young entrepreneurs, gaining knowledge is one of the most powerful tools you can have. Love novels don’t equip you with the practical skills and insights you need to succeed in business. By reading books that are focused on entrepreneurship, personal development, economics, marketing, finance, and leadership you will be building a foundation that will help you navigate the challenges of running a business. Knowledge is not just power it is currency in the business world.
The more you learn, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions, identify opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes. Reading about successful entrepreneurs, and industry-specific insights will expose you to different strategies and perspectives that can inspire innovation in your ventures. Reading helps you stay ahead of trends, and make better decisions. As an entrepreneur, you must constantly evolve, and this can only be achieved through continuous learning. Invest in your mind, the more you know, the more valuable you become in your industry.
I am an advocate for the youth and am currently working with a few individuals to establish a youth enterprise fund. This initiative is necessary because the existing institutions that are meant to help young people with financing to start businesses have failed.
What should the government do to ensure more business opportunities are availed to young people
The first thing is to provide business grants. In South Africa, there are grants available to help businesses get started, which is one of the reasons they are more advanced than us. I believe development finance agencies such as FINCORP, the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF), and the industrial Development Company of Eswatini (IDCE) should work to close this gap by supporting the youth in starting businesses and stop operating like banks. These are development organisations and should be focused on encouraging and nurturing young entrepreneurs. The government should also stop providing scholarships to students who have parents or guardians who can afford tution fees. Sadly, children from wealthy families are government-sponsored while those who truly need the scholarship languish at home. Furthermore, courses being offered in local tertiary institutions are outdated, so I implore them to evolve with times.
How would you define a good leader
Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, generation by passion, motivated by a vision that is birthed from conviction produced by a purpose. You become a leader by learning.
Q: Who can you highlights as having played a pivotal role in who you are today
No man is an island. We are who we are because of everyone we have crossed paths with. Even those who have disagreed with us have shaped who we eventually become. I believe family is everything, from my grandfather, and grandmother, to my father, my brothers, and all extended family members. But l would like to highlight my wife inkhosikati La Fakudze, my mother, and Bishop as being highly instrumental.
Q: How do you want to be remembered?
A: At this stage in my life, money and personal success no longer bring me happiness. What truly makes me happy is seeing others succeed, especially the youth of Eswatini. The youth fund we are working on will provide financial support to young people between ages of 18 and 35, giving them the necessary resources to start their businesse. The goal is not only to provide financial assistance but also to encourage savings and promote discipline among young people.
I want to be remembered as a fighter for the youth, for giving them the opportunities they deserve to build businesses that will benefit our economy. People may say I’m generous, but am not, I firmly believe the value of fair trade. Young people need to work hard, and also need to pray because faith and hard work are aligned to one’s purpose.
There’s currently a significant lack of employment opportunities in the kingdom, despite the abundance of brilliant young minds. Our education system also needs to evolve. We should prioritize vocational education in schools, rather than focusing primarily on theoretical education. The current system often forces young people to seek employment in offices, which only increses the youth unemployed rate.
His Majesty King Mswati 111 has consistently stated that people can make a living through vocational work, sports, and other talents, just like they advanced nations.
On personal level, I want my children to grow up knowing the importance of hard work. I have six children, and I teach them not to be entitled. I pay them a salary each month for the tasks they complete around the house, such as cleaning and gardening.
They also enjoy riding four-wheel bikes on the farm. This is my way of instilling the value of hard work in them, and I hope that one day, the rest of the youth in Eswatini will adopt the same mindset.
Thank you very much for your time, energy and honesty Nkhosi.
You are most welcome.