Transforming tyres into treasure

For single mother Maquoalesa Lekheakohoa, entrepreneurial inspiration struck at the announcement of the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Facing unemployment, she saw the modest income as the perfect launchpad for her own furniture-making business.

“We always complain about needing capital. My capital was my R350 government grant. We must make the most of these scarce resources,” she notes.

Hailing from Bethlehem in the Free State, Lekheakohoa embarked on her journey with no prior experience or skills, armed only with her creativity and determination. Drawing inspiration from instructional videos on YouTube, she craftily repurposed discarded materials, and was able to fashion her first couch from old tyres, scavenged wooden boards and clothing fabric.

Investing her grant money wisely, she also acquired essential tools such as a second-hand power drill and upholstery stapler. Before long, she was able to secure her first furniture order.

The young entrepreneur hasn’t looked back since and continues to sell her furniture and offer re-upholstery services by advertising on her Facebook page. Her clients come mainly from Bethlehem and the surrounding areas.

To ensure her business remains sustainable, Lekheakohoa carefully manages her overhead costs to ensure an income while maintaining affordability for her customers. Profits from her re-upholstering services are reinvested to grow her venture.

While the SRD grant provided a much-needed seed fund, the Free State Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has also stepped in to help market the fledgling business through social media. Watch the video below.

Watch the video below.