Duo in welding services
‘A journey of a thousand miles started with a single step’ is a maxim 41-year-old Raphael Malekano and 40-year-old Eli Michewu, who started their welding business with two door frames but now own a welding shop, have just proved this right.
Although most joint businesses are later marred by quarrels and misunderstandings, Malekano and Michewu have shown that it is possible to work together towards one goal.
Their business partnership, which begun 10 years ago, has today borne fruits. The duo is makes items such as steel gates, door protectors, steel door frames, steel doors, swings, see-saws, wheelbarrows, car doors, steel dining sets and window frames.
Oftentimes, people think that it is only those with higher education qualifications that earn good money. But Malekano and Michewu with no proper training in the trade are doing extremely fine.
The duo acquired their knowledge in the trade from other welders.
“We have not attended tertiary education. We learnt the job from other well-wishers in the industry. The interest we had in this field is another factor that made us what we are today,” says Michewu.
On a good day, the duo claims to take home not less than K20 000.
“In most cases, Malawians dream of being an employee not an employer but we need to change that mentality.
“We started by doing piece works in people’s workshops but later thought of branching out to see what the world had to offer. Here we are today,” says Malekano.
Through their welding business, they are able to support their families.
“We all have families and are able to support them. We have enrolled our children in private schools. We are also able to assist our relations financially,” says Michewu.
But just like any other business, challenges are part of any entrepreneurial drive. Malekano and Michewu point to increasing prices of raw materials and failure by customers to honour their commitments to pay for services.
“Most of my customers impose their own prices on a job done by us which is unfair because mostly their prices do not correspond with the job. They think this job is easy not knowing that one has to be accurate and focused to get job right and well done,” explains Michewu.
Looking forward, Malekano and Michewu dream of assisting budding welders as one way of helping to reduce unemployment rate in the country.
“Everything is possible when we commit to it. It has not been easy for us but because we are committed to this, we have today changed for the better and hoping for the best in the near future,” says Michewu.
