Actor and businessman, Cornet Mamabolo, who is popularly known as “Tbose” on the popular SABC 1 show Skeem Saam is a thriving behind scenes and positively impacting lives as an education advocate who recently launched a community library in his village, Maripathekong, in GaMolepo, Limpopo through his Cornet M Foundation whilst contributing to job creation as an entrepreneur in the financial services sector and co-founder of Digni Financial Services.
When did you establish Digni Financial Services?
Digni Financial Services was established in 2014 by myself and business partner, Johnny Modiba.
What inspired the establishment of the business?
Having worked in the financial industry as agents/representatives for a brokerage company, we were able to identify the gaps and opportunities regarding product offering for black people and black businesses. This propelled us to establish a financial institution that offers better productsand service.
What challenges are you facing as a young black entrepreneur and how do you overcome them?
Operating and breaking into the field that for decades has been in favour of certain class of people is not easy, not having market share or funding on inception of our business means no cash flow to cover financial and operational responsibilities as an emerging business. Other challenges include human resources capacity to expand the business at a rate we wish. How we overcome these challenges is through brand alignment with industry players that share similar vision to us, being patient with our brand’s growth and trusting in the process. We are very strong in reinvesting in our business every time we get an opportunity of new client buying into our business. We don’t do hand to mouth because we have no funders for our business. Lastly we hire and partner with highly skilled professionals that add value to our business.
Do you feel enough is being done to empower SMMEs in the financial services sector? If not, what can be done to make the industry more accessible?
Not enough is done. Government needs to encourage more FSPs to participate in the field, there must be more support in license applications, more focus must be given to FSPs/SMMEs and not just insurers that are already established and this must be through capacitating us with government business and training.
How many people do you employ?
We currently have a team of 16 people.
What can your supporters expect from you in the near future?
My professional journey in business is becoming more complex and the scope of services that I personally offer is expanding. My supporters can also expect to see more of me on TV.
