After two years, Tirama poured their first concrete at their work site in Khayelitsha. After securing an investment from Old Mutual of R50000 to produce vibracrete slabs for walls and fences, they used the funds to purchase a second hand cement mixer, vibrating table and cement moulds.

Tirama has had numerous requests for quotes, and finally this week secured their first sale. On Wednesday, the team from TSiBA’s Entrepreneurship Centre visited Tirama and saw the guys hard at work in the hot sun mixing cement and filling the moulds.

Despite two years of struggling to get their business up and running, they remain very optimistic about moving forward and establishing themselves in Khayelitsha and the surrounding areas. After speaking to Sonwabo Rasimen, the MD of the company, they agreed that we would return in a year’s time and see significant growth.

Congratulations to Tirama on their first sale, and their perseverance in keeping their dream alive! Contact Sonwabo Rasimen at 073 301 0952 or email rsonawabo@yahoo.com.

In a major breakthrough for the three entrepreneurs of Tirama Manufacturers, Sonwabo Rasimen, the MD of the company, announced that it has secured a further investment of R50,000 from Old Mutual Properties in their quest to start up a concrete products manufacturing company in Khayelitsha.

The money is to be used to start a pilot production facility to obtain SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) approval for core products. This is a key milestone to earn credibility with potential customers. Old Mutual Properties has previously provided Tirama with financial support to develop their business plan together with TSiBA’s Entrepreneurship Centre.