“WE STARTED A LAUNDRY SERVICE IN OUR VILLAGE AFTER QUALIFYING AND NOT GETTING JOBS” – GRADUATES

Lesego Ranchu

MaRocks Laundry Services, a youth-led business in Ventersdorp, has expanded its operations with funding from the National Development Agency (NDA), allowing young graduates to pursue entrepreneurship after facing job market challenges.
With new equipment and a consistent power and water supply, MaRocks has doubled its production, added delivery services, and created jobs within the community, demonstrating the potential of local enterprise to generate economic growth.
The NDA’s funding initiative aims to support sustainable livelihoods and skills development by empowering community enterprises like MaRocks, showing the impact of targeted assistance in poverty eradication efforts across South Africa.

MaRocks Laundry Services, based in Tshing Village, Ventersdorp, is run by a group of graduate youths who turned to entrepreneurship after struggling to find jobs post-graduation. With funding of R222,316.03 from the National Development Agency (NDA), the business has significantly expanded. The funds were used to acquire a second container for workspace, four commercial washing machines, a 2,500-litre Jojo tank, a 7.5kVA generator, industrial steam irons, a steam press machine, folding and square tables, and office equipment, including a laptop, printer, and front desk furniture.
North West MEC for Social Development, Ms Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, officially handed over the cheque to MaRocks Laundry Services during the launch of the department’s flagship programme, “Re Thuse, Re Go Thuse”. Previously known as “Taking DSD to Communities”, the programme encourages communities to leverage their existing resources while receiving government support to build sustainable livelihoods. “These graduates have demonstrated the potential of young people to take charge of their futures. I hope they inspire others to do the same,” said MEC Dantjie.

With the equipment acquired through NDA funding, MaRocks Laundry has evolved into a fully functional, competitive laundromat. Co-manager Tsholofelo Moeng, a graduate in Economic Management and Analysis with a postgraduate teaching certificate, expressed pride in their progress. “Even during load-shedding, we remain operational with the backup generator and consistent water supply. Our production capacity has doubled, profits are up, and we’ve created two additional jobs for the community. We’ve even added a local delivery service, creating further employment,” she shared.

The delivery service, led by Mr Katlego Thateng, has been instrumental in boosting MaRocks’ reach. “This partnership is beneficial for both businesses. If growth continues, I’ll soon be able to purchase another delivery scooter and hire more staff,” said Thateng.
The NDA, a national poverty eradication agency, focuses on empowering youth and vulnerable groups with operational community enterprises. Acting CEO Thabani Buthelezi highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable growth. “By supporting enterprises like MaRocks, we’re not just funding businesses; we’re fostering job creation, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods. Each success story takes us one step closer to eradicating poverty,” he said.
MaRocks Laundry Services stands as a testament to how strategic funding, community collaboration, and youth entrepreneurship can transform local economies while empowering individuals to create lasting change.