Fostering and promoting transport innovation
Heading Lefa for reliable and safe transport
Melkisedek Ausiku is the founder of Lefa transportation services.
Lefa was created out of concern for Namibians' transportation needs. The answer Melkisedek Ausiku came up with was Lefa.
Ausiku, the original founder of Lefa, oversees the company’s entire operations.
In addition, he focuses on business development and growth.
He was inspired to start a safe, dependable, and practical taxi service after seeing that drunk driving is a common occurrence.
Ausiku completed his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pretoria in 2014. He then decided to start the business as the only founder. As the business grew, he realised the need for a business partner to complement his skills.
Kalipi Aluvilu came into the picture as a co-founder.
Ausiku is also currently focused on business development and raising the necessary funds for Lefa’s next stage of growth.
Development
One of the company’s goals is to have "at least 60% of the vehicles on the Lefa platform be electric vehicles."
With the current volatility of fuel prices, Lefa has decided to go the electric vehicle route.
"Given the price of fuel today, our calculations show that we can save 60% of our current vehicle operation costs if we make use of electric vehicles instead of internal combustion (petrol and diesel) vehicles," he said.
Ensuring that services provided by Lefa are safe and reliable for users is important to Ausiku.
Since its inception, Lefa has focused on safety, reliability and convenience. Through market research, the team discovered that some excuses used by individuals who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol include the absence of a reliable and safe taxi service.
As such, Lefa prioritises ensuring that vehicles receive regular mechanical checks, align to a set of standards, and that drivers are required to have a clean criminal record.
Observing growth
A key performance indicator is the number of rides facilitated through the Lefa application. "We are very proud to have completed over 170 000 safe, reliable and convenient rides. This figure is testament to our solid business model and resilient business model that caters for passenger transportation needs for both individuals and businesses, companies and organisations.
To remain relevant, Ausiku has identified solutions to problems. He said it is challenging to imagine a thriving economy without a functional transportation industry, adding there is a need to pay close attention to global trends in the transportation industry.
"One trend we have observed from companies with similar business models around the globe is transport electrification.
"Companies such as Uber, Lyft and Bolt have made commitments to have 100% electric vehicles operating under their platforms by 2030. Lefa has also set a target to reach 100% electric vehicles operating under the Lefa platform," he said.
About the job
The ability to contribute to the Namibian economy by providing a safe and reliable transportation service is one of the things Ausiku has enjoyed doing. He loves to work in an industry that fosters and promotes innovation within the country and its needs.
Ausiku advised young people who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs or managers that it is important to collaborate.
"Do not work in isolation and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Pay special attention to your network, your network is your greatest strength," he said.
Fun facts about Ausiku:
1. He is passionate about music.
2. He is a part-time techno DJ.
3. He loves attending electronic music festivals.
4. He enjoys playing football.
5. He is a member of Rambler’s football club.
6. He loves exploring Namibia’s beautiful wildlife and landscapes.
7. He never leaves his camera behind when travelling.
Ausiku, the original founder of Lefa, oversees the company’s entire operations.
In addition, he focuses on business development and growth.
He was inspired to start a safe, dependable, and practical taxi service after seeing that drunk driving is a common occurrence.
Ausiku completed his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pretoria in 2014. He then decided to start the business as the only founder. As the business grew, he realised the need for a business partner to complement his skills.
Kalipi Aluvilu came into the picture as a co-founder.
Ausiku is also currently focused on business development and raising the necessary funds for Lefa’s next stage of growth.
Development
One of the company’s goals is to have "at least 60% of the vehicles on the Lefa platform be electric vehicles."
With the current volatility of fuel prices, Lefa has decided to go the electric vehicle route.
"Given the price of fuel today, our calculations show that we can save 60% of our current vehicle operation costs if we make use of electric vehicles instead of internal combustion (petrol and diesel) vehicles," he said.
Ensuring that services provided by Lefa are safe and reliable for users is important to Ausiku.
Since its inception, Lefa has focused on safety, reliability and convenience. Through market research, the team discovered that some excuses used by individuals who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol include the absence of a reliable and safe taxi service.
As such, Lefa prioritises ensuring that vehicles receive regular mechanical checks, align to a set of standards, and that drivers are required to have a clean criminal record.
Observing growth
A key performance indicator is the number of rides facilitated through the Lefa application. "We are very proud to have completed over 170 000 safe, reliable and convenient rides. This figure is testament to our solid business model and resilient business model that caters for passenger transportation needs for both individuals and businesses, companies and organisations.
To remain relevant, Ausiku has identified solutions to problems. He said it is challenging to imagine a thriving economy without a functional transportation industry, adding there is a need to pay close attention to global trends in the transportation industry.
"One trend we have observed from companies with similar business models around the globe is transport electrification.
"Companies such as Uber, Lyft and Bolt have made commitments to have 100% electric vehicles operating under their platforms by 2030. Lefa has also set a target to reach 100% electric vehicles operating under the Lefa platform," he said.
About the job
The ability to contribute to the Namibian economy by providing a safe and reliable transportation service is one of the things Ausiku has enjoyed doing. He loves to work in an industry that fosters and promotes innovation within the country and its needs.
Ausiku advised young people who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs or managers that it is important to collaborate.
"Do not work in isolation and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Pay special attention to your network, your network is your greatest strength," he said.
Fun facts about Ausiku:
1. He is passionate about music.
2. He is a part-time techno DJ.
3. He loves attending electronic music festivals.
4. He enjoys playing football.
5. He is a member of Rambler’s football club.
6. He loves exploring Namibia’s beautiful wildlife and landscapes.
7. He never leaves his camera behind when travelling.
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