ICT: Bennet challenges the big boys in their game-IBM, BCX and Dimension Data

Makobedi Mofokeng

 Bennet Mahlangu 

Back in August 2012, at only 23, Bennet Mahlangu decided it was time to take a leap of faith and establish his own ICT Company. This was after working in the industry for big companies for a number of years.

As a young boy from the East Rand, Bennet always had the drive to become a success.  “I always looked for the best for myself and I always make sure that I achieve my goals,” he says. So it is no wonder that after three years in the industry, BenMah IT is still standing and going strong.

Bennet had the advantage of working under big ICT names and being exposed to both the South African market and the international market too. With the knowledge he gathered over the years he is in a better position to understand what his markets need and this puts BenMah IT at a competitive advantage.

Of course, no matter what your age is or knowledge when starting your own business there will be challenges. It it could be being taken serious by potential customers, or it could be finding investors. Bennet says competing with big ICT companies as well as finding clients has been challenging.

 “Some of our challenges include finding clients and maintaing a continuous cash flow within the business. As a black owned ICT business it is not easy finding investors, however, over the years we have developed a strategy to attract more and more investors and clients. Competing with the major players such as IBM, BCX and Dimension Data is not easy as they are still in the forefront,” he explains.

But all these challenges have not gotten Bennet down, and he continues strives to be bigger and better. "I am a confident and dynamic person with a strong and positive attitude. I am willing to go the extra mile.”

Although he had his sights set on a career in Electrical or Chemical Engineering earlier on in life, Bennet is doing pretty well in Information and Communication Technology, which shows that life does not always go as you planned but it does not mean that your plan is the right one.

Bennet continues to dream big and be innovative. BenMah IT plans to launch its very own 3G modem. “We are certain that every household in SA will have a piece of BenMah IT in,” says Bennet.