SANDISWA Nkohla started his brick manufacturing business two years ago, after having become unemployed.
His fledging business, Sandawana Brick Manufacturing Company, which has been receiving support from Noupoort Wind Farm’s development programme, is now able to provide full-time employment to five local men and has managed to purchase a third brick-making machine.
As a local community entrepreneur, Nkohla signed up to the Noupoort Wind Farm Enterprise Development Programme in 2017, joining over 50 local businesses to benefit from the training offered.
“We accepted Sandiswa into our enterprise development programme because of his willingness to learn and his wish to grow his business into an operational one that could go on to provide sustainable employment for members of the Noupoort community,” explained economic development manager for the Noupoort Wind Farm, Sandisiwe Mntonintshi.
Having graduated, he also received funding for two manual brick manufacturing machines, which helped to increase turnover and profit margins.
“Through hard work and financial support this young enterprise has been able to grow and can now afford to purchase another piece of essential equipment that will directly increase capacity and allow its expansion,” added Mntonintshi.
The small enterprise continues to expand and support other progress made in the Noupoort community.
They were awarded the contract to manufacture bricks for the Eurekaville Crèche, a new project that is also funded by Noupoort Wind Farm, as part of its socioeconomic development programme. It officially opened towards the end of 2018.
Noupoort Wind Farm’s Enterprise Development Programme was launched during 2016 and continues to benefit local entrepreneurs, having celebrated 25 start-ups and 28 existing businesses. For more info visit www.noupoortwind.co.za.
