From humble beginnings: The MSJ and Pepkor Installations story of growth and partnership

Rishqha, Zahir, and Fatima navigated an extraordinary path reflecting growth, unity, and entrepreneurial spirit. They lead MSJ Logistics, a retail installations logistics venture that has evolved into a R30 million business. This journey began 14 years ago with their father’s vision and a single truck, transitioning from a shopfitter at Pepkor Installations (PKI) to the founder of a deeply integrated family business within the Pepkor ecosystem.

PKI, a strategic supporting division within Pepkor, specialises in the logistics and installations crucial to retail operations across Pepkor’s extensive store network. This division ensures retail spaces under the Pepkor umbrella, such as PEP and Ackermans, are optimally equipped and operational.

MSJ’s indispensable role within this framework has grown, with its fleet of 30 vehicles and dedicated 25-member team. This partnership, initiated by the siblings’ father, has not only endured but flourished, transforming MSJ into PKI’s trusted installations partner and evolving into a legacy business under his children’s stewardship.

Embracing their father’s entrepreneurial spirit, Rishqha, Zahir, and Fatima have nurtured a business that intertwines professional and familial values. Each sibling contributes distinct skills – Rishka’s strategic vision, Zahir’s operational leadership, and Fatima’s financial acumen – propelling MSJ towards sustained success, with their mother’s support symbolising the enduring family legacy.

The partnership between MSJ and PKI has transcended traditional enterprise development through strategic initiatives, enhancing operational cohesiveness and fostering a culture of open communication. PKI’s support has extended to shared expertise and training, enriching MSJ’s team in areas critical to PKI’s needs. This collaboration extends to joint project management, embodying a partnership that shares responsibilities and successes.

Acknowledging MSJ’s vital role, Pepkor has invested in its growth, facilitating fleet expansion and technological advancements, further evidenced by incentive schemes that align MSJ’s goals with PKI’s benchmarks for excellence. Long-term contracts have provided MSJ with stability, allowing for confident investment in growth, underpinned by a shared commitment to sustainability and local enterprise development.

This dynamic illustrates a model of mutual benefit within the South African business landscape, where enterprise development catalyses economic growth. By working together, sharing expertise, and leveraging strengths, MSJ and PKI exemplify the potential for collaborative growth, setting a precedent for impactful business partnerships in South Africa’s evolving economic environment.