By Sizakele Nduli
A Mpumalanga businesswoman has found a niche in the personal protection equipment (PPE) industry, providing safe gear to SMEs.
As safety standards tighten and technology advances, the demand for innovative protective gear continues to grow, especially among smaller businesses.
For Mariah Enivah Monyeki, who is from KwaMhlanga, the rise of SMEs in need of PPE presents an opportunity to provide high-quality protective gear and contribute to safer workplaces across industries.
Having seen the lack of PPE stores in her hometown and understanding the risks faced by workers in nearby construction and mining sectors, Monyeki grabbed the opportunity and established M-RockStone Trading in 2022.
“There was no store selling PPE in my area and there are construction companies around,” she said.
The 36-year-old said that starting a business in the PPE industry came with its fair share of challenges, one of which was finding affordable suppliers as she lacked the financial muscle to make large initial investments.
Without any funding from companies or government entities, Monyeki relied on her savings and resourcefulness to get the business off the ground.
In addition to her financial struggles, creating a recognisable brand and differentiating herself in a crowded market was another significant obstacle.
Attracting and retaining customers while competing against established players in the industry required her to develop effective marketing strategies that resonated with her target audience.
Today, her business supplies several companies with PPE in Limpopo, the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
The company supplies head protection such as hard hats and safety helmets, and eye protection like safety goggles, face shields and masks.
It also supplies protection for hearing, hands, feet and the body.
In addition to PPE, the company also offers crucial services such as health and safety file compilation.
“A health and safety file serves as a centralised document that contains all relevant information related to health and safety on a construction. Compiling a health and safety file helps ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act in South Africa,” she explained.
Since the inception of her business, Monyeki has been working tirelessly towards opening a physical store.
“Since we started in 2022, we have been working on having a physical store. We have a Facebook account, business WhatsApp, business email and website that makes it easy for everyone to contact us,” she said.
Monyeki plans to expand operations to new regions, targeting high-growth markets and the health and safety needs of companies.
“I also plan to expand into new industries such as hygiene, finance and education. My focus will be on customer centricity, delivering exceptional experiences to drive loyalty and retention.
“I envision establishing my business as a leader in the PPE industry, recognised for its innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences while continuing to drive
growth and expansion by exploring new markets and opportunities,” she said.
