Local supplier expands toilet hire fleet

Doctor Shabangu, director of Mgquzeni & General Construction                                            

Just a little over four years ago, Doctor Shabangu started renting out six mobile toilets to his first client. Since then, his company, Mgquzeni & General Construction, has grown with a fleet of 60 mobile toilet units. Of these, 37 are dedicated to serving the Kangra mine, while the remainder are leased elsewhere. Based in Kransbank, one of Kangra’s host communities, Doctor attributes much of his company's growth to working with Kangra, a partnership that began in 2019.

He spent three years working at Kangra before pursuing his entrepreneurial aspirations. Starting as a general worker in 2014, he swiftly ascended to the role of store clerk the following year. Reflecting on his past, Doctor acknowledges the invaluable lessons learned from his mining background. “My background working in the mine has helped me in my business, especially when it comes to following safety protocols,” he says.

His mobile toilets serve both the underground and opencast operations at the mine. Doctor seized the opportunity to bid for contracts when they were advertised. He highlights the guidance provided through workshops hosted by the mine for local businesses, including training on proper quoting and handling the tender application process.

Doctor’s company employs two people, and he hopes to create more opportunities for young people in the future. For him, the rental of toilets serves as a step towards enhancing his company's reputation and paving the way for more opportunities in the mining sector. "My vision is to go into mining contracts, but I am taking things one step at a time,” he says.