Sandton Convention Centre was abuzz this week as industry leaders, government officials, and key decision-makers gathered for the annual Manufacturing Indaba 2025, a vital platform for showcasing products, technologies, and solutions within the manufacturing ecosystem.
This two-day expo is not only a marketplace of ideas but also a meeting point for professionals aiming to expand their networks and grasp emerging market trends.
The Saturday Star attended this vibrant gathering, speaking with several inspiring business owners who shared their personal journeys and the motivations behind their innovative enterprises.
Albertina Maseko, the founder of Mailaka Textiles, is on a mission to empower young girls through the production of reusable sanitary towels.
Maseko’s entrepreneurial drive stemmed from her experiences as an educator over nearly two decades. She says she has witnessed firsthand the hurdles many girl learners face due to the lack of affordable menstrual hygiene products.
“We are manufacturing reusable pads, which have a lifespan of three to five years. So what led me to start this company is that I have been a teacher for almost 20 years, so I know that a girl child bunks classes because they do not have pads. And at home they have to choose between buying pads and buying bread. So they won't have money for pads, which will lead to the girl child ending up not going to school. And you find out that a girl child can bunk for four days in a month, which leads to 60 days in a year. I came up with the idea from our great-grandmothers, who used to use cloths during their periods. But mine is advanced, and it is SABS compliant. My focus is on the disadvantaged child who can't afford to pay, because if the price is going to be high, they won't be able to buy.”
Her initiative, called Keep a Girl Child at School, encourages corporate partners to purchase her pads for distribution in disadvantaged schools and communities.
“We also educate these girls about menstrual health, especially those who might not have a maternal figure at home,” Maseko added, illustrating her commitment to tackling educational disparities head-on.
Another exhibitor, Phaladi Matsole, the founder of Sebata Super Maize Meal, shared his remarkable story of resilience and innovation. A former agricultural sciences teacher with over 23 years of experience, Matsole transitioned from the classroom to the fields, starting small and steadily expanding his operations.
“I was a teacher at a high school, teaching agricultural sciences for 23 years. And I made a decision that it was about time I practised what I taught, so that's how everything started. I started farming in a small way.”
“I am in my third year of production; it is available in Swaziland, Lesotho, and Malawi, but they are not big markets, but those markets I am happy are growing. It is available in the Free State, in certain parts of KZN, Eastern Cape, and parts of Gauteng. So actually the plan is to support small businesses, upcoming retailers, spaza shops, and tuck shops. It gives me joy to see a parent selling 250 bags every month so she has a stable income every month, so it makes a huge difference.”
Also making a notable presence at the Expo was Freedom Nkululeko Ngomane, who showcased Giga Guru, a brand built on the principles of fashion, self-love, and timeless style. With a reach that spans international borders, Ngomane has not only established a strong local presence but has also ventured into global markets through participation in international fashion shows.
“When I started, that's where everything started to glow up. I started doing shows internationally, and in the country I also host my own show under the brand Giga Guru. It's called the Global African Coalition; we do it in Mpumalanga, and we host over 200 countries.”
“Fashion has connected me with countless people, and I have collaborated with numerous artists, including Kwesta and Sjava, while also hosting my own events that attract participation from over 200 countries,” he shared with visible pride.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star