Eskom Holdings SOC Limited
120 Henry Street
Bloemfontein
9300
To Whom It May Concern:
Re: Kholwa Sign Master’s Success Story
06 October 2014
The management of Kholwa Sign Master would like to thank Eskom for its positive contribution to the company. To a great extend, Eskom had a positive impact on our company but unfortunately there was no platform to give a feedback. One of Eskom Enterprise Development’s goals is to ensure that existing small and medium enterprises benefit from Eskom’s numerous CSI initiatives. Indeed we have testimony about that.
Background
Kholwa Sign Master’s core business is sign manufacturing and printing. The company was established by Thandeka Mahlatjie in 2006. The company is 100% black woman owned. In 2007 the company was approved as Eskom’s supplier (vendor no. 11055640). By then, the business was operating from owner’s garage and with only one technician and one machine (Digital Printer).
Achievements through Eskom
In 2008 the company moved to an industrial area and by then the relationship with Eskom intensified because we were supplying Eskom with substation labels and other related products.
Eskom contributed very much on our sales. The business showed a tremendous growth since then until now. Eskom also understand that cash flow is the greatest challenge for small businesses. It is one company that pays on time. We receive payments within 14 days. Very seldom you’ll find a delay on invoices but average rating on its payment is very good.
Financial Support: In 2010 the business won R100,000.00 cash prize on Eskom Business Investment
Competition. The money was spent on equipment and on operational expenses.

Exposure: We didn’t realise that Eskom has given us exposure through publicity. I remember one day noticing our picture with Brian Adams on one of the magazines at CNA, which was an exciting feeling and also exposure for the business. Secondly, early this year I took our two little girls to the salon and I left them there, when I came back they were too excited that they saw Kholwa and mommy on the magazine and I knew that should be Eskom and indeed it was Eskom.
Today before I wrote this story I wanted to know more about Eskom’s role in relation to Enterprise
Development. When I check on the internet, immediately I came across a picture of one of our staff member operating our machine. Eskom is doing a lot for small business but we don’t know the platform where we can tell this good news about Eskom.
Stability: Though Eskom supported us these much profits were still not noticeable and cash flow was still a problem. The main impact which influenced the decision to write this letter was when
Eskom awarded us a six (6) month contract to supply branded purified water and snack on the run in order to promote Safety. The value of the contract was only 1. 6 million but its results were amazing. This contract was awarded to us in June 2014 but now I’m glad to mention the following achievements:

Factory is extended

We installed a system which purifies water

We bought a finishing machine

Appointed 3 temporary employees

Increased turnover
Indeed the key driver for success in a business is access to market. We therefore want to thank
Eskom for granting us an opportunity to grow and also for its commitment to support SMME’s.
Eskom understand that the best vehicle for job creation is through small enterprise and capacity building.
Special thanks to Eskom and its employees.
Best regards,
Thandeka Mahlatjie
071 916 9596