Samkhot Trading
| Business Location: | Township |
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| Branch: | Nelson Mandela Bay |
| Business Start Date: | 2022-04-14 |
| Busniess Type: | Sole Proprietor |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Automotive Repair Workshop
Challenges/Needs:
Although Samkhot Trading had a strong foundation of expertise, the business faced several operational and competitive constraints. The absence of advanced diagnostic and key-programming equipment prevented Ayanda from servicing modern vehicle systems that require specialised electronic intervention. This limited the business’s ability to diagnose
complex faults, programme transponders, or resolve immobiliser issues—services that are critical in today’s technologically advanced automotive industry.
Operating within a competitive environment that included informal mechanics and established workshops added further pressure. Without modern tools, turnaround times were longer, and Samkhot Trading struggled to secure larger clients such as fleet operators. As a result, both revenue growth and employment opportunities remained restricted, despite strong market demand for its services.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
To overcome these challenges, Samkhot Trading applied for support through the SEDFA Assist Asset Programme, requesting funding to acquire advanced diagnostic and key-programming equipment. The application was successful, enabling the business to purchase specialised tools valued at R223 043,00.
This intervention equipped the business with the capability to:
• Diagnose electronic vehicle issues with precision
• Perform advanced key coding and immobiliser programming
• Improve turnaround time and operational efficiency
• Meet service standards required by fleet and commercial clients
• Expand its technical offering and strengthen competitiveness
The new equipment also enabled Ayanda to formalise relationships with larger clients, including WeBuyCars and WesBank Fleet Services, significantly boosting business credibility and market access.
This intervention equipped the business with the capability to:
• Diagnose electronic vehicle issues with precision
• Perform advanced key coding and immobiliser programming
• Improve turnaround time and operational efficiency
• Meet service standards required by fleet and commercial clients
• Expand its technical offering and strengthen competitiveness
The new equipment also enabled Ayanda to formalise relationships with larger clients, including WeBuyCars and WesBank Fleet Services, significantly boosting business credibility and market access.
Outcome Details:
The support delivered measurable and transformational results for Samkhot Trading:
• Revenue Growth: Turnover increased from R32,000 to R150,000, marking a 369% rise.
• Job Creation: Employment increased from 2 to 7 staff members, reflecting a 230% growth in job opportunities within Motherwell.
• Successfully entered the fleet maintenance market, servicing high-profile clients such as WesBank Fleet Services.
• Expanded service offerings to include ECU programming, advanced diagnostics, and specialised electronic repairs.
• Faster, more accurate diagnostics
• Increased customer satisfaction and retention
• Greater capacity to handle complex vehicle systems and higher service volumes
Samkhot Trading is now positioned for long-term sustainability and continued growth.
• Revenue Growth: Turnover increased from R32,000 to R150,000, marking a 369% rise.
• Job Creation: Employment increased from 2 to 7 staff members, reflecting a 230% growth in job opportunities within Motherwell.
• Successfully entered the fleet maintenance market, servicing high-profile clients such as WesBank Fleet Services.
• Expanded service offerings to include ECU programming, advanced diagnostics, and specialised electronic repairs.
• Faster, more accurate diagnostics
• Increased customer satisfaction and retention
• Greater capacity to handle complex vehicle systems and higher service volumes
Samkhot Trading is now positioned for long-term sustainability and continued growth.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
''The support changed everything for us. With the new diagnostic and key-programming equipment, we can now service advanced vehicles, take on fleet clients, and provide opportunities for people in our community. Our business has grown tremendously, and we are truly grateful for the chance to expand and professionalise our services.”
— Nicholas Ayanda Khotlele, Founder of Samkhot Trading
— Nicholas Ayanda Khotlele, Founder of Samkhot Trading
