Publication: ESI Africa
Author: Unspecified
Photograph: K-Fox
Black wattle had been causing major environmental issues, including water scarcity.
Two intrepid young people from Mvenyane village in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, are transforming the South African charcoal industry by turning invasive alien black wattle into charcoal, contributing to the environment and combating climate change.
Black wattle is one of the most widespread and significant invasive alien trees in South Africa.
In 2020, Sinikeziwe Tshobisa, 27, and Kwakhiwa Mshoboyi, 31, founded KFOX 2ND Conture Board Company, a venture blending creativity, sustainability and social responsibility.
Addressing a need
The two established the business out of their shared struggle with unemployment, while also addressing critical environmental issues in their community.
Tshobisa said the invasive black wattle had been causing major environmental issues in the Mvenyane area, including water scarcity, veld fires and the displacement of indigenous plants.
Recognising the severity of the problem, the pair developed a business model to offer a solution, harvesting the black wattle to create eco-friendly braai charcoal and firewood.
"We both wanted to make a difference. While I was volunteering at the radio station, I saw how much potential our community had in creativity and entrepreneurship, but I also saw the environmental struggles we are facing," Tshobisa recalled.
Initially, the business focused on refurbishing furniture, including ironing boards, tables and chairs, as well as revamping old clothes and fabric.
"Our goal is twofold: we are not only helping to remove an invasive species but also providing the community with a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional firewood. By removing the wattle, we help restore grasslands, protect water sources, and reduce the risk of devastating fires," explained Tshobisa.
A Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science graduate from the University of the Free State, she met Mshoboyi while volunteering at The Voice of Matat FM community radio station in Matatiele.
At the time, Mshoboyi had just completed a 12- month Youth Employment Service (YES) programme faciliatated by Conservation South Africa (CSA) in Mvenyane. The programme equipped him with knowledge in business, entrepreneurship, leadership and nature conservation, including woodwork and sewing skills.
One major challenge for the company has been the difficulty in securing a stable market for their products. the distance between their production site and potential customers, combined with poor road infrastructure, has made transportation costs a significant barrier.
"We lose a lot of customers due to the bad roads. When clients see the gravel roads and hear about the transport costs, they often decide not to go through with the order," explained Tshobisa.
Recognition
Tsobisa and Mshoboyi were recently nominated as finalists in the South African Youth Awards 2024 in two categories, including Young Environmentalist of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The awards facilitated by the National Youth Development Agency.
"I was honoured to be recognised as a finalist. It was an amazing experience to network with other entrepreneurs, sponsors, and funders. It opened opportunities for collaboration, and I believe something great will come out of the conversations we had," said Tshobisa.
Creating opportunities
The company has so far employed 16 local residents and plans to expand operations to create more job opportunities in the near future.
Through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) Asset Assist Programme (AAP), KFOX 2ND Couture Board Company received a tractor in October 2024, which has made transporting their products to storage much more efficient.
The AAP is a Seda programme that provides equipment and working capital to small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMMEs) and cooperatives.
Find out more about the company on Facebook and TikTok: K-FOX Enterprise.