Lilian Kistan, Tekwecomm
Lilian Kistan’s Tekwecomm journey began with a bold decision that would redefine her career and the company’s future. In 2018, when presented with the opportunity to purchase Tekwecomm (a telecommunications service provider on the brink of closure), Lilian saw not just a business, but a determined team with ‘fire in the belly’. She knew they could turn things around.
Today, Tekwecomm has expanded beyond its original focus to include steel fabrication, and providing critical support to the construction sector, from site builds to air-con maintenance. Her vision has fuelled the company’s growth into a leading business known for customer satisfaction and responsiveness. ‘Our flat organisational structure creates an advantage for business agility,’ she says. ‘We don’t have many hierarchies to manoeuvre for key decisions.’
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Lilian admits that overcoming self-doubt and shifting her mindset from that of a salaried employee to a business owner was the greatest hurdle. ‘Success is a personal odyssey, where self-mastery and internal development, though often arduous, are key,’ she says. This transformation has allowed Tekwecomm to thrive, as seen in the business’s ability to secure and deliver a R1 million order within just two weeks.
Winning the 2024 Santam Woman of the Future Award is the ultimate achievement for Lilian and her team. ‘It’s a recognition of our ability to challenge ourselves and be change agents in our field,’ she says. A portion of the R125 000 prize money will be dedicated to celebrating with her team, with the majority going to an education fund to support her employees children – in their journey towards tertiary education or securing their first job.
As Tekwecomm continues to grow, Lilian’s focus remains on sustainability. Her long-term vision includes upskilling and expanding the executive team to ensure the company’s future success.
Lilian’s advice to other female entrepreneurs is deeply personal: ‘Your vision, dreams and aspirations are yours alone. Respect them, nurture them, treasure them. If you can dream it, you alone can achieve it.’ With this mindset, Lilian has become a beacon of inspiration for other women in business.
To learn more about Lilian’s company, visit: https://tekwecomm.co.za/