In the quest for a thriving and inclusive South African economy, the pivotal role of small businesses cannot be overstated.
Almost 60 percent of employment in the country emanates from small enterprises, making their success crucial for providing livelihoods and bolstering economic growth.
In a recent conversation with COVER, My Glass Director Mumtaz Moola unpacks the inspirational journey of My Glass and the motivations behind their unique approach to business empowerment. She explains how My Glass has not only recognised the importance of the entrepreneurial aspect of our economy but has also carved a formidable path by empowering small entrepreneurs through an innovative business model.
The discussion kicks off by acknowledging the vital role of small businesses in job creation, emphasising that it is not solely the government’s responsibility to stimulate growth. Businesses, too, need to actively create opportunities and share the benefits, steering away from a model that solely benefits the elite.
Mumtaz sheds light on My Glass’s distinct approach to empowerment within the glass industry, a sector historically protected and resistant to transformation. The company’s model revolves around empowering individuals, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, allowing them to establish and grow their own businesses.
The conversation pivots towards the practicalities of My Glass’s business model, working on a licensing structure that fosters ownership among entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional franchise models, My Glass refrains from charging franchise fees, enabling entrepreneurs to utilise those funds for building their businesses. The company forms the link between insurers and entrepreneurs, streamlining the claims process and ensuring a steady flow of work to the entrepreneurs.
Mumtaz provides a tangible example of an entrepreneur who started with one vehicle and expanded to four within 18 months, illustrating the real impact of My Glass’s empowerment model. The success of these entrepreneurs translates into job creation – for every vehicle purchased, at least four people are employed, fostering transformation, and empowerment.
We are Clear About Service
- Mobile Service: My Glass comes to you, offering convenient on-site solutions
- Versatility: Not just vehicle glass. My Glass also specializes in building glass repairs and replacements
- Custom claims management: Experience seamless incident reporting with My Glass Bordereau, our bespoke online claims management system
- Extensive stock: My Glass boasts the widest range of available stock, ensuring prompt service.
The conversation turns to the gender and racial inclusivity within My Glass’s network of entrepreneurs. Mumtaz passionately shares her commitment to bringing females into the industry, achieving a remarkable 60 percent black-owned and 40% woman owned businesses within the My Glass model. The company’s national footprint is expanding daily, operating on two tiers – fitment centres exclusively working with My Glass and those with existing broker relationships integrated into the system.
Tony and Mumtaz explore the ripple effect of each fitment, not just creating jobs but sustaining families. With every entrepreneur comes the potential to support six mouths, and as of November, My Glass had approximately 500 employees within its system, a number growing daily.
The dialogue underscores the profound impact of the insurance industry beyond claims and replacements. It is about creating an ecosystem that employs and empowers people, stimulating economic activity beyond the immediate scope of insurance services.
Mumtaz emphasises that My Glass’s model is not just inclusive but familial. The company has built a family of empowered entrepreneurs, each contributing to the collective success. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the challenges faced and the time invested in fostering real change. Mumtaz notes that it is only in the last two years that My Glass has witnessed the tangible transformation, emphasising the commitment required for sustainable economic empowerment.
In a landscape where economic inclusivity is both a goal and a challenge, My Glass stands as a shining example of how innovative business models can lead to genuine empowerment, transforming individual lives and contributing to the broader goal of building a more inclusive South African economy