By Gosego Phutieagae
North-West University (NWU) alumnus Wilfred “Willy” Thahane studied transport economics and logistics at the NWU, and he had dreams of going places with his degree. Today, he runs a Pretoria-based luxury car rental business that caters to clients seeking more than just transportation.
“We offer rentals for weddings, funerals, vacations and matric dance drop-offs,” Willy says. “We have a variety of vehicles, from luxury to sports cars. Some clients even want me present on the job, and I always make sure to deliver exactly as required.”
Luxury Rental has already grown beyond expectations. “We have worked with Avbob, the funeral services group, which showed me the business was being noticed on a national level.”
For Willy, entrepreneurship began with patience. “Most people are not patient enough to start selling something with minimal profits. As soon as I realised, I didn’t mind making R2 a day, I ran with it. Being an entrepreneur isn’t something you build overnight.”
His confidence was sharpened on a reality TV show called Big Brother Mzansi, which brought him fleeting fame. Willy used the visibility to market his brand. “You might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but not everyone loves tea – some prefer coffee,” he says. “The show gave me a spotlight. I am choosing to use it to benefit me in my own way.”
Every business starts somewhere
Running Luxury Rental has tested him. “Challenges come with a lack of capital, reliable suppliers, discipline and marketing resources,” he says. “I overcame these by being consistent and understanding that every business starts somewhere. Small progress is still progress.”
His second venture, a clothing label, carries the slogan Lepara Ale Fele Moya (meaning Giving up is not an option, a call to persistence. “Giving up is not an option. People are waiting for you to rise so their dreams can also begin.”
For the NWU, Willy’s experience represents success in its efforts to prepare graduates for the realities of entrepreneurship and the world of work. For Willy, the degree is complete – and it truly is taking him places.
NWU alumnus Wilfred “Willy” Thahane’s luxury car rental business has grown beyond expectations.
