Gaole Bogatsu

What does your company do?

Tsa Aforika Projects is a 100% black woman owned, environmentally conscious concrete products manufacturing company based in rural Rustenburg. We produce high-quality, sustainable concrete products such as paving bricks, concrete slabs, stepping stones and planters. We are surrounded by mining activity, however our mission is to create local employment that will sustain the communities even when the mines eventually close down. Tsa Aforika Projects is transforming construction while uplifting our community through collaborative economic growth with other local artisans.

What is your biggest success?

One of my biggest successes to date has been securing a lease on a workshop located in a prime spot along the main road to the famous Sun City Resort in Rustenburg. The visibility of this location has played a huge role in boosting our business. With constant traffic passing by, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in walk-in customers and new inquiries. People who may never have known about Tsa Aforika Projects are now stopping to see our products, ask questions and place orders. This exposure has not only increased sales but has also helped us build a stronger brand presence in the area. This move has been a game-changer and a clear sign that we are growing in the right direction.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

The biggest obstacle to growing my business has been limited to ownership of appropriate equipment. Most of our processes are done manually, which slows us down and limits how many products we can produce in a day. This makes it hard to meet growing demand and prevents us from taking on larger contracts that could significantly increase our income and impact. Access to the right machinery, like a concrete vibrating machine and more moulds, would not only improve product quality and speed up production, but also reduce the physical strain on workers and allow us to hire more women from the community. However, without the capital to invest in this equipment, we remain stuck in a cycle of small-scale production, despite the growing demand for our products.