Penquin Empowers Long-Time Employee And His Wife To Launch Successful Businesses

Penquin, a leading brand and communication agency based in Johannesburg, is proud to announce the success of its dedicated employee empowerment initiatives.

The agency has significantly contributed to the entrepreneurial journeys of Mike Thantsa and his wife Rahab, showcasing its commitment to fostering personal growth and community upliftment.

Mike’s Journey with Bold T Twin Associates

Mike, a dedicated employee who has been with Penquin for 23 years, is a prime example of the agency’s belief in the integral role of its employees. Known for his commitment and family values, Mike has balanced his work at Penquin with a side hustle, providing various services to the company after hours. Recognizing his potential and dedication, Penquin decided in 2017 to formalize Mike’s side hustle into a legitimate business as part of their B-BBEE Enterprise Development strategy.

Penquin assisted Mike in registering his company, Bold T Twin Associates, a name chosen by Mike in honour of his late twin brother. The agency provided a comprehensive brand and communication strategy, developed his corporate identity, and created a website for the business. Beyond these foundational steps, Penquin has continued to support Mike with financial investments for equipment, bookkeeping, business mentorship, rent, and utilities. Most recently, they donated a Suzuki Ertiga to help scale his business operations.

Now rebranded as Mmamorare Group, Mike’s business offers a wide range of services, including gardening clean-up, event setup and breakdown, casual labour, small building renovations, and corporate and residential removal services. This transformation has allowed Mike to grow his business and serve a diverse clientele, showcasing the impact of Penquin’s support.

Rahab’s Thriving Coffee Business

In addition to supporting Mike, Penquin extended its assistance to his wife, Rahab, during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. When a local coffee shop closed, Penquin purchased their coffee machine and saw an opportunity to help Rahab start her own business. With Penquin’s support, including the donation of the coffee machine, plumbing, crockery, a Yoco machine, and covering rental and utility costs, Rahab established a coffee station at Penquin’s offices.

Rahab’s coffee business has since thrived, providing delicious beverages to Penquin employees and visitors. This year, Penquin further assisted her expansion by purchasing additional equipment, enabling Rahab to grow her service offerings and increase her revenue. Her thriving business within Penquin’s offices stands as a testament to the agency’s dedication to employee empowerment and success.

A Commitment to Building Success

As an agency that designs brands for humans, connecting and empowering people is something Penquin is passionate about. This commitment is demonstrated through initiatives like those with Mike and Rahab, showcasing how Penquin is putting its money where its mouth is.

Penquin’s initiatives with Mike and Rahab highlight the agency’s belief in setting up its employees for success and fostering entrepreneurial growth. By empowering its employees to build their own businesses, Penquin not only contributes to their personal success but also enriches the broader community.

“As an agency, we believe that our employees are integral to our success, and we celebrate their personal achievements as part of our own,” says Veronica Moleele, CEO at Penquin. “Our support for Mike and Rahab reflects our commitment to empowering our team members and helping them achieve their dreams. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to continuing to support their growth.”

Penquin’s dedication to innovation and employee empowerment sets a powerful example in the industry, demonstrating how businesses can create lasting positive impacts through thoughtful and meaningful support.