Nation Online

Panel-beating life into vehicles

Just like many skilled people, 37-year-old Lucius Kalimbuka saw no need of remaining in formal employment. For him, self employment was the way to go.

His journey to entrepreneurship started in 1998 when he was trained as a motor vehicle mechanic by friends who were already in the trade. He also received on-the-job training in panel beating at Fernando Motors in Blantyre.

After a stint at Fernando Motors, Kalimbuka worked in various places before he went to South Africa where he worked for three years.

“While in South Africa, I bought tools such as compressors for panel beating and welding. In 2004, I came back home, but it was not until 2007 that I started my own business at Manase Township [in Blantyre] because I could not find a place anywhere else,” he said.

Kalimbuka does spray painting on vehicles, panel beating and welding, among others. As he looks back to the years he has been in business, he sees the past five years as a success because his business has grown and now employs four people.

“I always ensure that I do the best job on people’s vehicles and work to their satisfaction. If, for instance, a vehicle has a dent, I panel beat it in such a way that no one can even tell that there was a dent and that way, my customers are always happy and do not hesitate to recommend me to others.

“Apart from that, I realise that times are hard and if someone wants me to reduce the charges, I consider them to suit their pockets, but of course, considering the costs. I also ensure that I complete the work in time so that customers should collect their vehicle on an agreed date,” he says.

The father of two claims that his business has enabled him to build houses and provide for his family, including paying his children’s school fees.

He comes from Somela Village, Traditional Authority Chitera in Chiradzulu. He was born on November 22 in 1975.