20 July 2023
By: Lebogang Mashala
Young entrepreneur Atang Justice Ramabele has found a way to alleviate some of the challenges his community faces by converting an invasive plant species into a money-making product. Besides creating jobs and demonstrating the potential of youth entrepreneurship, his charcoal operation is a model for other communities with similar challenges.
Black wattle trees have invaded many parts of South Africa. And for the people of Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, they consume grazing land and water resources.
At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, however, Atang Ramabele (29) found a solution that not only alleviated some of the rural community’s problems but provided valuable job opportunities and showcased the potential of youth entrepreneurship.
As an invasive species, black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) competes with native plants and diminishes grazing land for livestock. Over the years, it has spread across Matatiele, leaving residents short of grazing and water and vulnerable to criminals who use the dense bushes as cover.
But for Ramabele’s business, Morumotsho Charcoal Production, it’s a key ingredient in the start-up’s eco-conscious product.
After Atang completed a year’s internship with the NGO Environmental and Rural Solutions, he established Morumotsho in eNkasele, his home village, and employed seven locals.
The business’s name means “black forest”, referring to a nearby hill covered in black wattle from which the company sources its star ingredient.
Through its work, the business saves approximately 700,000 litres of groundwater annually through land and water restoration.
Atang markets his product through a neighbouring landowner who sells the charcoal in other provinces as well. Morumotsho also supplies street vendors, caterers and shisa-nyamas.
Atang’s main challenge has been increasing production to meet growing demand due to processing delays with kilns. Another big problem is lack of resources, as he still uses a donkey cart or hires a tractor to collect wattle from the hill.
“The poor road conditions in the area are also a huge problem, especially during the rainy seasons,” says Atang.
But he is not discouraged, especially when he considers his progress so far. “I am proud to see how my vision has changed and impacted our society. People can now farm and feed themselves again since the land is being restored, and their animals have grazing land.”
