As South Africa marks Women’s Month, the National Development Agency (NDA) has highlighted the success of MaRocks Laundry Services, a woman-owned business in Ventersdorp that has expanded operations and created jobs through grant funding.
The owner, Tsholofelo Moeng grew up in Tshing Township started her business after struggling to find employment despite holding qualifications in Economics from the Tshwane University of Technology and North-West University.
Before launching the business, Moeng sold biscuits while looking for work. She and a business partner later identified a demand for laundry services in their community and started operating from home with a single washing machine and a small dryer.
The business took a significant step forward after attending an NDA training programme for community-owned enterprises, which encouraged them to apply for grant funding.
Following due diligence assessments in 2022, the NDA approved funding of R222,316.03 in 2024. The grant enabled the business to acquire four commercial washing machines, a 2,500-litre water tank, a 7.5kVA generator, two steam irons and a basic office container.
The investment improved turnaround times and allowed the business to continue operating during water and electricity interruptions.
MaRocks Laundry Services has since employed three additional staff members, makes use of part-time workers during busy periods and outsources deliveries.
Moeng said the business had also benefited from word-of-mouth referrals, registering on Google, maintaining quality service and networking opportunities provided through the NDA.
The business provides laundry services for households and local businesses, including funeral parlours, with services ranging from washing blankets, carpets and clothing to sneaker cleaning and steam ironing.
The NDA has since approved a further R198,495.53 sustainability grant to help the business diversify its services.
The funding will be used to purchase industrial sewing machines, an overlocker, sneaker-cleaning equipment, an additional container, a steam iron, a press steamer and storage facilities.
The expansion is expected to create five new jobs while sustaining four existing positions. It will also allow the business to introduce sewing, alterations and additional sneaker-cleaning services.
Moeng said the funding had significantly improved the business’s operations.
“We are able to operate faster than before. When there is no water, we are still operational, and even when there is no electricity, we have a generator to continue working. The space is bigger to accommodate bigger orders,” she said.
Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce a same-day dry-cleaning service in Ventersdorp, where residents currently travel outside the town for such services.
Moeng said entrepreneurship had become an opportunity not only to support herself but also to create livelihoods for others.
She encouraged young people, particularly women, to pursue available funding opportunities and not be discouraged by the perception that government support is only available through connections.
“The perception is that you need to be connected in government to receive funding. This was not the case for us. We worked hard, believed in our dream and were guided through the process, step-by-step,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of financial discipline, maintaining proper business records and using a dedicated business account when applying for funding.
The NDA said initiatives such as its grant programmes continue to support women- and youth-led enterprises that contribute to job creation, poverty alleviation and sustainable local economic development.
