It is not often that you find a 31-year-old who owns a successful business with an annual turnover of R4-million. Most young business people would be learning the ropes in a big company. But Tezzyl Mathibe bucked this trend. In 2003 he founded his own company, Indepth Collective Productions, operating from his flat in Meredale with no staff. Now he is in bigger premises, which are equipped with three high-tech editing suites, and employs 10 people.
Mathibe’s core business is post-production video services, but the company has grown its portfolio to include audio-visual solutions, web and graphic design, branding and communications.
Mathibe is a video editor by training. Before he started Indepth Collective Productions he worked full-time editing videos and freelanced after hours. While refining his skills, he realised there were few black-owned companies that offer similar services. The company’s clients include blue-chip companies such as Transnet, Cell Tel and Air France-KLM.
Age: 31
How do you earn your living?
I work for a media and advertising company as a creative director and producer.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Duduza, Ekurhuleni, in the east of Gauteng.
Which schools and university did you attend?
Thakgalang Primary School and Isibonelo Esihle High School in Duduza. After high school I studied at Allenby Film & Television School’s Bramley Campus.
Which year did you start your primary education?
In 1984.
Secondary?
In 1990.
Tertiary?
In 1997.
Did you have a favourite teacher/s?
My favourite teachers were Mr Motaung, who taught me Sesotho and English, and Mr Mpahane, who was my maths and science teacher.
Why were you so fond of them?
Mr Motaung had a great sense of humour and I looked forward to attending his class. If you did not perform well he would be interested to know what the problem was and work with you to do better next time. Mr Mpahane made mathematics and science a fun experience and helped to break the narrow view that maths and science are difficult subjects.
How did they influence you?
Both were always there for their students and they understood that to be the best teacher, you have to produce good learners. They achieved that well.
Do you still have contact with them?
Unfortunately not. I moved out of Duduza and they were not permanent residents there. This was also before cellphone technology.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
Mathematics and science, because I love solving problems as it makes you step out of your comfort zone – especially geometry in mathematics; I always aimed for 100% in geometry.
From your point of view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?
Somebody who acknowledges that learners are not created equal and their levels of competency are not the same, and who continuously strives to help unleash [learners’] potential, with patience and understanding, without giving up on them or calling them names.
What are the things a teacher should never do/say?
You are stupid. You will never make it. You are too fat to be this or that. More importantly, teachers should not sleep with learners It’s a big no-no!
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
Teachers have done a lot to contribute to the development of this country, socially and economically. That should not go unnoticed. I would like to say to teachers that they are a strong pillar of our society and economy and should continue their journey to inspire, educate and parent South African learners. They have brought light to the lives of many young people and we thank and respect them for that.