Finding young entrepreneurs in the scientific sector in South Africa might be rare, but Spencer Ditiro Masebe (31) sees it as an opportunity to innovatively address scientific challenges in the country.
Masebe is the founder of The Sample Warehouse (Pty) Ltd, a business he established in 2023 that specialises in providing secure and efficient sample management solutions tailored to support a variety of project needs.
Its services include sample collection, storage, disposal, retrieval, logistics and distribution, and material beneficiation.This benefits various industries, including food and beverages, scientific laboratories, mining and mineral exploration companies, universities and research institutes, oil and gas companies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and government agencies.
“These industries rely on accurate sample analysis and storage for their success. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of service to meet their unique needs. Our warehouse serves as a central hub for the safekeeping, transportation and distribution of samples related to their diverse projects,” he explained.
He added that sample storage is a crucial aspect of many industries, including mining and pharmaceuticals. It means maintaining the integrity of the sample, ensuring its stability and accuracy over time.
“We provide a secure and temperature-controlled environment for storing solid samples, like mineral samples or pharmaceutical compounds, because exposure to extreme temperatures, light, humidity or contamination can alter the samples, making them less reliable for analysis,” said Masebe.
To be able to run such a business, Masebe equipped himself with the necessary qualifications and working experience. He holds a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, a BTech in Polymers, and a Certificate in Generic Laboratory Management from the Tshwane University of Technology. He has also worked as a science coordinator, laboratory analyst and senior laboratory technician.
He was inspired to establish the business about three years ago, when there were challenges with the samples he was testing while working for a particular company. This led to a number of disputes among his team and a client, until they decided to use the services of an external laboratory‒only to discover that the results from testing the sample consistently changed during handling.
“That is when I found a gap in the market. Testing laboratories handle thousands of samples daily, and the handling of those samples is the most important factor to consider in the decision-making process of the data that we collect and interpret in the laboratory for our clients,” he explained.
Masebe decided to open a business that offers improved services compared to his previous employer, and has never looked back since.
Currently, the business employs four experts who are called in on a project basis. Running a scientific business means having the opportunity to make a positive impact in the scientific industry for Masebe.
For more information, visit: www.sm-samplewarehose.co.za
Email: info@sm-samplewarehouse.co.za
Phone: 012 700 0281 WhatsApp: 072 088 7469.
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