Startup Story
Siyamthanda Maya is the founder of ZAS Petroleum, a licensed wholesaler of petroleum products specialising in imports of Crude, Diesel and Unleaded petrol, as well as exports of diesel and lubricants. She is a seasoned business professional in the energy sector with extensive experience in both Utility Management and the Oil and Gas sector. Siya is a personification of diligence, determination, and skill, attributes which have contributed to her current achievements. She has successfully founded and run two energy entities and led Multi-Billion-rand infrastructural programs. A big believer in credible skills transfer and development, Siya is a supporter of women skills development and community enablement. She holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
LoA spoke to Siyamthanda Maya about her entrepreneurial journey, her vision, and her mission to contribute to the security of energy solutions and supply in Southern Africa.
What does your company do?
ZAS Petroleum, founded in 2015, is a licensed wholesaler of petroleum products specialising in the imports of Crude, Diesel, and Unleaded petrol, as well as exports of diesel and lubricants. ZAS services the Oil majors, mining, manufacturing, construction, and agricultural customers in South Africa and neighbouring countries.
“As a founder and director of an oil and gas company, my main aim is to have meaningful participation in ensuring the security of energy solutions and supply in Southern Africa.”
What inspired you to start your company?
After 14 years of Utility and energy management experience, I grew a keen interest in participating in the midstream oil and gas industry. This interest increased, especially as I observed that there is limited participation in the industry by female-owned companies.
What makes your business, service or product special?
We are a top-empowered company that prides itself on professional, efficient service excellence. With the customer at the centre of our operations, we tailor our offering to each client's needs. We have over 45 years of combined industry experience with the added advantage of a young dynamic team that is able to respond swiftly to meet our clients' energy needs.
Tell us a little about your team
We are a young, professional, dynamic team with diverse experience, each member complementing each other. Our skills set consists of Large-scale Utility Management, Quality Management Systems, Economics, Deal Negotiation, Trade Finance, Oil Trade, as well as Shipping Operations.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
As a founder and director of an oil and gas company, my main aim is to have meaningful participation in ensuring the security of energy solutions and supply in Southern Africa. I have always had a keen interest in entrepreneurship, which started in primary school when I decided to sell sweets and snacks to gain financial independence. When I was in corporate, I often used an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving which didn’t always work due to the red tape. Furthermore, I am an individual who always had a "side hustle”, from owning public telephone booths to farming. It was a natural progression, therefore, that I ventured into ZAS after completing my MBA, as I needed much more room and flexibility to practice my creative skill and discipline.
“We are a top-empowered company that prides itself on professional, efficient service excellence. With the customer at the centre of our operations, we tailor our offering to each client's needs.”
“Future plans are to grow the company by acquiring strategic storage positions that would enable us to better source and import products not just directly to a client but to our facilities to further trade advances.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Future plans are to grow the company by acquiring strategic storage positions that would enable us to better source and import products not just directly to a client but to our facilities to further trade advances. This includes more diverse energy source provisions including, but not limited to, greener and cleaner energy solutions.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Knowing that my work and creation could leave a lasting legacy and make a meaningful impact in my community. Having the freedom to exercise my creativity, building a well-compensated team that thrives in servicing our customers. This of course while reaping the financial benefits of my hard work and sacrifice.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Stay resilient as the journey is challenging, though rewarding. Get comfortable with failure as valuable growth learnings come from it. Have a strong support system/outlet to help ground yourself. Most of all enjoy the journey, it is yours and yours alone - good luck!
Find out more
Address: siya.maya@zaspetroleum.co.za
Website: http://www.zaspetroleum.co.za
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zaspetroleumPTYLtd.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/zaspetroleumPTYLtd
Why LoA loves it…
Having a clear vision and mission is key to a successful business, and Siyamthanda Maya certainly has an ambitious vision, and the determination and experience to turn that vision into reality. She aims to meaningfully contribute to ensuring the security of energy solutions and supply in Southern Africa, and is building a growing wholesale petroleum products business in South Africa to do just that. Inspirational! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa