How Sbahle Sithole Turned Smais Bricks into a Black Woman‑Led Construction Force
How Sbahle Sithole Turned Smais Bricks into a Black Woman‑Led Construction Force. In 2020, Sbahle Sithole, a Wits accounting graduate from Newcastle, KwaZulu‑Natal, founded Smais Bricks, a bold leap into a male‑dominated construction industry with one goal: manufacture quality building materials under 100% black female ownership. From humble beginnings to award recognition, her journey offers practical lessons on leadership, innovation, and purpose‑led entrepreneurship.
From Accounting to Brickmaking
While pursuing her degree, Sbahle’s mother gifted her a brick‑making machine. She saw more than a token; she saw opportunity. With little construction experience, she embraced grassroots learning. After graduation, she had registered Smais Bricks, setting up operations in Newcastle to produce M140 and mampara bricks, essential components in modern building.
Launching a Quality‑First Brand
Smais Bricks stood out early for its quality and supply reliability. Sbahle recruited an experienced production team, implemented strict quality control, and maintained timely deliveries, hallmarks of a premium supplier aiming at industry excellence. By consistently meeting client expectations, she built trust in one of the country’s most traditional sectors.
Branding and Visibility
As a 100% black female‑owned business, Smais Bricks foregrounded its identity. Sbahle used her tagline to position her company as both aspirational and grounded. This mantra resonated with stakeholders, from community members to procurement agents, and frequently appeared in social media content and at events.
Turning Points That Built Momentum
- Foundation: Sbahle registered the business while studying, investing in equipment, long before graduation.
- 2020 Operations Launch: Officially opening the Newcastle factory, producing thousands of bricks weekly.
- NEF Engagement: Applying for Black Industrialist funding in 2021 validated ambition and attracted future support.
- Digital and Media Presence: Coverage in Vuku’zenzele, Sunday World, GCIS, and an in‑depth YouTube profile highlighted her story, amplifying credibility.
- Female Leadership Gathering: Hosting a Female Industrialist Seminar in 2023, she elevated her role as advocate and mentor.
Strategies That Stood Out
- Back Vision With Expertise
Equipment investment and recruitment of skilled teams ensured top‑notch product and service delivery. - Lead With Identity
Emphasising black female ownership gave Smais genuine differentiation in a male-dominated sector. - Seek Institutional Trust
NEF engagement reinforced government and industry recognition of growth potential. - Tell Your Story
Media features and YouTube profiles built trust and opened doors to new markets. - Champion Others
The Female Industrialist Seminar positioned Sbahle as a leader, lifting others while growing her brand.
Overcoming Early Obstacles
Entering brick manufacturing carried multiple challenges, from funding and machinery sourcing to navigating industrial supply chains. Sbahle overcame these by reinvesting personal equity, leveraging family support, and engaging deeply with funding programmes and community networks. She combined grit with resourcefulness to build not just a factory, but a legacy.
Lessons for Emerging Entrepreneurs
- Start before you’re ready: Sbahle registered the business while still a student, proving action matters.
- Invest in quality from day one: Early product excellence built credibility that money alone could not.
- Own your identity: She took pride in black womanhood, turning that into a brand strength.
- Use institutional channels smartly: NEF applications and seminars boosted brand perception and networks.
- Be visible, be real: Media appearances made Smais more than a factory, she humanised the brand.
- Give back to uplift others: Her seminar offered time, value, and leadership beyond business.
Final Reflection
Smais Bricks reminds us that hard work, authenticity, and community focus can break barriers in even the most traditional industries. Sbahle Sithole’s story shows how combining quality, identity, strategic leverage, and mentorship can create a business with both economic success and social impact. For entrepreneurs everywhere, her journey proves that every brick laid today can build a better tomorrow.
