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Abram Rankeng’s business is through to the final round of the SAB KickStart competition.[/caption]
SAB KickStart programme’s finalists include young entrepreneurs in the fabrication and manufacturing industries.
Over the past few weeks we’ve profiled several finalists in this year’s SAB KickStart programme, all undergoing mentoring and training as they build up to the final awards ceremony later this year. The 18 finalists for this year are a diverse group of businesses that include businesses in catering, health, networking solutions, environmental solutions and waste management. They are all young, motivated and have ambitions to make a difference in their respective industries. This week we look at entrepreneurs making waves in the fabrication and manufacturing industry:
Rainbow Granite and Marble Works Enterprise, Kimberley
Employs one permanent staff member. Abram Rankeng’s business has been growing steadily since 2012. They manufacture countertops, tiles and tombstones as well as provide granite repair services. With many years of industry experience and a drive to make a difference in his community, Abram aims to create more job opportunities for those around him.
Pfuxaka Enzokuhle, Bronkhorstspruit
Employs three permanent staff members. Reamogetswe Tshabalala noticed that there was a gap in the market for products made with composite materials. In 2012 he registered and began manufacturing a range of products for commercial use, including tombstones and grave markers. Pfuxaka Enzokuhle is the resulting business, capable of producing bath tubs, basins and coffins.
NAM Petroleum, Northern Cape
Employs one permanent staff member and three on a part-time basis. After receiving seed capital from the SKEPPIES fund, Earl Muller launched NAM Petroleum in 2011 in the Namaqua region. NAM Petroleum produces renewable and environmentally safe biodiesel for bulk transportation and logistics service providers, as well as private customers. They are also able to produce biodiesel by-products such as soap.
Artisans Research Unit, Cape Town
Employs three permanent staff members. Chad Peterson took his experience as an industrial designer and used it to experiment with leather. He and his wife registered Artisans Research Unit in 2011 which took his experiments to a commercial level. Artisans Research Unit creates handmade, bespoke leather goods and high quality home products that are both innovative and stylish.
Falo’s Wire and Steel
Employs three permanent staff members and four on a temporary basis. In 2008, after a period of learning about the steel industry, Jeffery Mafalo registered Falo’s Wire and Steel. He recognised an opportunity to be financially independent by providing services in Limpopo. Falo’s manufactures and distributes wire and steel products. The business prides itself on its ability to meet customers’ individual specifications and needs.
Imagined Steel & Structural Engineering, Kagiso
Imagined Steel & Structural Engineering specialises in the fabrication of many steel products including mobile trailers, carports and gates. Lerato Radebe and her business partner established the business in 2013 and are able to offer customised products in the already competitive steel industry. Lerato ensures that work is done with client from the concept stage to implementation, to ensure customers receive more than satisfactory services.
Alurcia Aluminium and Glass
Employs one permanent staff member. Marica Mofokeng started her business in 2011. She received the opportunity to learn about aluminium and develop her business skills on the WISPECO Enterprise Development Programme. Her business produces aluminium sliding doors, shop-front doors and windows according to the specifications of customers. Marcia aims to grow the aluminium industry and the use of aluminium products in townships.
Maiktronic CC, Kuruman
Employs fourteen permanent staff. Maiktronic CC was established in 2011 by Tsholofelo Majeng and specialises in the fabrication of structural metal products and the supply and installation of electronic security and automation systems. This joint venture between Tsholofelo and her husband was in the pursuit of financial independence but they now seek to provide the regional residential markets with aesthetic structural metal products as well as electronic and automation solutions.
Competition
Successful entrants of this year’s SAB Kickstart programme stand a chance to win grant funds ranging from R30 000 to R250 000 out of a total pool of R3.2 million. Who do you think will take home the prize grants at the SAB KickStart Awards Ceremony later this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or tweet us at @SABreweries. You can also follow SAB KickStart on Twitter and Facebook for more updates from the programme.
