Ereeza Arendse, 31, affectionately known as the “boss lady” is working towards building her business into a giant player in her industry, while improving her suburb.
Arendse started her company which supplies wireless internet, CCTV, alarms, websites and domain hosting at the age age of 19.
“When I started, I knew nothing about Information Technology (IT). My husband worked for a huge IT company at the time, and we saw how technology was changing the world and how necessary it would become.
“When we came up with this idea, I told my husband I would run around, setting up clients and connecting them while he (retained his job). He taught me via phone calls, now I can do it and solve problems with my eyes closed,” she said.
Arendse recalled one of her first big jobs where she installed a mini tower, providing internet connection on a farm on the Cape Flats.
“We go into areas where these big companies do not want to go. We go into these areas because we are moving into a space where technology is needed for your basic day-to-day.
“That is why this company is expanding the way it is, because we listen and deliver. I started off with a handful of clients, six to be exact, now I cater for more than 600 clients,” she said.
Arendse, who has two office sites, one in Heinz Park and Woodlands, said she has no plans to move out of Mitchells Plain as she wants to continue contributing to the area’s economy.
“I employ mostly young locals, those who want to expand their skills and learn, to help change the perception of the Cape Flats.
“This is a male-dominated industry but it doesn't intimidate me. I also know how important it is for a business like this to have a mother-figure and a boss lady,” she said.
The mother of two said even though juggling work and home life was challenging, she was committed to her family.
Gary Khan, 22, has been working with Arendse for six years and said he started out while he was studying and worked during the weekends to gain experience.
“After I completed my studies she welcomed me with open arms. She not only gave me an opportunity but believed that everyone has a purpose and at the time it was hard to find someone who was going to give you that chance.
“In good or bad times that the company had, she made sure that we all had our wages on time, not even during lockdown because the boss lady and her husband both sacrificed their wages to make sure ours were covered.
“I can go on an on about the amazing person she is, but the way she gives back to the community speaks for itself,” Khan said.
Antonia Fortuin, 29, also from Mitchells Plain, said he gained valuable experience.
“When I started, I didn’t have a lot of confidence, or skills and she helped me improve that.
“The things she taught me I also applied in my personal life and everyone can see the difference,” Fortuin said.