Interview with Dumisani Mthembu, Siyeza Car Rental and Shuttle Services founder
21. Dec, 2009
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Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your tourism business?
My name is Dumisani Mthembu, founder and managing director of Siyeza Car Rental and Shuttle Services. Siyeza is a 100% black owned company that was formed in 2004 to offer the industry a real choice when it comes to tour operating services.
We view our target market as both local and international corporate organisations. Services offered include conference shuttles and tours.
What were you doing before launching your tourism business and what inspired it?
I was working for various car rental companies for 6 years which include Avis and Khaya car rental (Imperial Car Rental). I loved my job because I was dealing with different types of people and I developed a passion for the car rental business and delivering excellent service. After the last company I was working for closed down, I decided to open my own business because I believed I had all the necessary knowledge I needed to do so. Luckily it worked out because I’m still in this tourism business.
What is your educational background?
I was not privileged enough to continue with my studies after I matriculated and when my business started to take off, I enrolled for short course to help me run my business with ease and knowledge.
What three industry blogs do you read daily, to stay abreast of your sector?
I get newsletters from different tourism organizations, e.g. SATSA and Zulu Kingdom, to keep me updated.
What does a press release mean to your business?
It gives Siyeza a chance to be marketed to a variety of people and provides an opportunity to grow the business.
Social media is the current buzz word, is your business active in that space?
No. But, we as a business believe that social media is the next big thing that can shape the tourism industry and any other business. This could have a huge positive impact on the growth of tourism businesses, as this could give any service provider a marketing platform for their product.
What role does the annual Tourism Indaba play for your tourism business?
It gives Siyeza a platform to market ourselves both nationally and internationally and boost our sales. We get to network with a lot of different people and gain more clients.
Does your tourism business belong to any professional trade organization?
Yes, we are members of SATSA and KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority.
What are your short and long term goals for your business?
Short term goals: Is to expand my business into different branches nationally and increase our vehicle fleet.
Long term goals: Is for my business to be recognized internationally as a first choice car rental and shuttle service company. Also to have branches in the international airports.
What are major challenges that are a stumbling block in growing your tourism business?
On the tour operator side; it’s not getting enough of the tour packages. Car hire side; not having enough vehicles.
What role does your website play in your business and are you happy with its current format?
Our website is user friendly and gives a clear understanding of our services.
How do potential guests/clients reach your business?
They can visit our website: www.siyezacars.co.za
Call our mobile no: 082 884 9957
Call our reservations no: 0861 Siyeza (749 392)
Fax No: 086 571 3939
E-mail: info@siyezacarrental.co.za
You are welcome to experience the difference with the team of Siyeza Car Rental and Shuttle Services.
My name is Muzi Mohale a full-time travel blogger, your host at Travelwires.com responsible for all editorial on this blog. I blog about the travel and tourism industry in Africa. Apart from blogging about tourism, I also run 
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