From Selling at Home to Stocking Spar and BP Garage Shelves Through Avo Vision’s Green Business Value Chain (GBVC)

A Journey Born of Necessity

When Mapula Maomela dropped out of her LLB course due to financial challenges, she needed a way to make money. That’s how “Sirius” was born. This small business, started in March 2023 with no employees, is now a success story in Ga-Kibi and part of Avo Vision’s Green Business Value Chain (GBVC). Despite having no prior knowledge of Green Business, Mapula learned technical skills through Avo Vision to run a sustainable enterprise.

Production of charcoal by Mapula Maomela’s Sirius team

Image of charcoal produced by Sirius under Mapula’s supervision, ready for supply to local markets, including Spar and BP Garage.

Seizing Opportunities

At 28, Mapula, like many, was affected by unemployment. She recruited peers to help her thin bushes and restore landscapes. “When SEF (Social Employment Fund) started, I knocked on every door I could,” she said. With SEF paying for 10 employees and another 10 supported by the Department of Public Works, Mapula hired two more people with her own funds. She also invested in equipment like kilns and saved for future growth.

Increased Production and Market Expansion

With 22 employees, Mapula’s production soared. She thinned 7.87 hectares of bushes, producing 9,775kg of charcoal and supplying her local Spar and BP Garage. “I needed to find markets to keep paying employees after the partnerships end. Even though we don’t have a contract with Spar, we’ve been selling consistently,” she shared.

Adapting and Growing

True to its name “Sirius,” Mapula’s business is thriving. She took steps to improve operations, hiring workers with dedication and replacing others. She even employed a skilled supervisor to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The Impact of Partnerships

The SEF programme helps early-stage micro-enterprises cover operational costs, ensuring they can grow. Entrepreneurs like Mapula use savings to invest in tools that boost production and revenue. SEF has supported 48 Green Businesses in partnership with Avo Vision’s Green Business Value Chain (GBVC), creating 966 jobs across several provinces.