Never Too Old To Start A Business – Maggie’s Original Mageu

At the ripe old age of 82 years, Maggie Mogase is no ordinary grandma. She is the entrepreneurial co-founder of Maggie’s Original Mageu, a business which manufactures and distributes the traditional, maize-based fermented drink. After starting on a small scale in 2006, Maggie accessed assistance from Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and funding from the Technology Transfer Fund, which has enabled her to grow the concern and supply supermarkets across Garankuwa and neighbouring areas.

Mageu is the generic name for the non-dairy, non-alcoholic energy-giving beverage used by many of the maize-consuming populations in Africa. “My recipe was first formulated by my loving grandmother, the late Mrs Sapula Pooe, during the great famine of 1933,” says Maggie. “This was a difficult time in our history where crops failed, scores of livestock perished and lots of people died of starvation. Faced with the challenge of feeding fourteen grandchildren, my grandmother decided to make a tasty nourishing meal for us. This is how our Original Mageu was born and like my grandmother, I have passed the recipe down to my grandchildren who are now my business partners.”

Maggie was referred to Seda and was encouraged to apply for funding from the Technology Transfer Fund in 2006. The Technology Transfer Fund assists small businesses to improve their competitiveness through technology transfer and pays for technical training. After being assessed by a Seda Technology Fund project officer, Maggie's Original Mageu received funding to acquire bottling, labelling, cooling and flavouring equipment, which enabled the business to scale up production whilst improving capacity, quality and efficiency.

Seda is currently assisting the business with a quality management assessment, and will continue to provide advice and support as the business grows. Maggie’s story proves that you’re never too old to start a business! Aspiring entrepreneurs like Maggie can access information, resources and services through Seda branches.

Source: www.seda.org.za

You are Jane Smith, Marketing and Sales Director of MedTech, the global

pharmaceutical company. You receive the following email:-

From: John Robertson, Managing Director

To: Jane Smith, Global Marketing and Sales Director

Hi Jane,

It’s been five years since we got approval for the new cancer drug, recruited

the salesforce and got it into the market. Sales have been good but having

looked at the latest figures I would have hoped they would be much higher by

now.

You are Jane Smith, Marketing and Sales Director of MedTech, the global

pharmaceutical company. You receive the following email:-

From: John Robertson, Managing Director

To: Jane Smith, Global Marketing and Sales Director

Hi Jane,

It’s been five years since we got approval for the new cancer drug, recruited

the salesforce and got it into the market. Sales have been good but having

looked at the latest figures I would have hoped they would be much higher by

now

QUESTION 1

From the case study above, we know that Maggie Mogase is no ordinary grandma.

(a) What factors inspire Maggie to start her business? Explain it. (10 Marks)

(b) Explain what kind of supports that Maggie had for her business? (15 Marks)

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Medtech paying the

salesforce on a commission-only basis. What specific changes would

you recommend to John and wh

QUESTION 2

When Maggie starts a new business, it brings many benefits. Please discuss how Maggie’s business can benefit community.

(25 marks)

QUESTION 3

From the case study we know that Maggie can be considered as entrepreneur who takes a risk and ventures in business market. Discuss several risks that Maggie will face for being an entrepreneur.

(25 marks)

QUESTION 4

Marketing strategy can boost Maggie’s business to the next level. Discuss FIVE (5) suggestions on suitable marketing strategies for Maggie’s business.

(25 marks)