Building a Sustainable Future: The Rise of Ramtsilo Manufacturing & Construction
Building a Sustainable Future: The Rise of Ramtsilo Manufacturing & Construction. Kedibone and Kekeletso Tsiloane inherited their entrepreneurial spirit from their father, who owned a construction and civil engineering business in Sasolburg, Free State. As children, they helped out on-site, holding ledgers, transporting tools, and soaking in construction practices. This early immersion gave them practical insight into the building trade long before business school or formal training.
Pivoting to Innovation: Prototyping PlastiBricks
In 2013 they founded Ramtsilo Manufacturing & Construction as a standard building company. Costs rose quickly, especially for bricks. A conversation with township waste collectors sparked an idea: could plastic waste be transformed into construction material? After years of trial and error, they developed Plastic Bricks, a composite of plastic and cement that cures without water and is stronger, more fire retardant, and more moisture-resistant than traditional bricks.
Lesson: Innovation often begins with a problem you know well and a resource others overlook.
Quality Credentials and Certification
Plastic Bricks incorporate 30 % recycled plastic, maintain under 2 % moisture absorption, resist fire, and will never leach plastic, even after demolition. They were approved by the National Home Builders Registration Council and tested to SABS standards.
Lesson: In building and safety critical industries, certification is both a seal of trust and a market differentiator.
Overcoming Gender Bias in a Male Industry
Despite the strength of their tech, the sisters faced skepticism, not because of product quality, but because they were young black women in a male dominated field. They persisted, eventually winning multiple competitions including the Sasol Enterprising Women Program and Standard Bank pitching contests, earning machinery grants from government and recognition at Eskom’s 2019 Business Investment Competition.
Lesson: Barrier-breaking requires both resilience and external validation. Awards and funds can open doors and shift perceptions.
Scaling Up: From Sasolburg to Benoni and Beyond
Armed with funding and machine investment, Ramtsilo opened a second factory in Benoni, Gauteng, becoming South Africa’s first large scale plastic‑brick plant. Their bricks are used in residential and low‑cost housing, paving projects, and commercial builds. They supply national builders’ merchants, including Builders Warehouse in Gauteng, and have expanded presence in Rivonia and Fourways.
Lesson: Strategic expansion depends on production capability, business networks, and demand across regions.
Building a Circular Green Economy
Ramtsilo does more than recycle plastics, they clean up rivers, reduce landfill waste, and create employment. Each Plastic Brick uses plastics that non‑traditional recyclers cannot process. They engage waste pickers, collectors, corporates, and municipalities to form a circular recycling ecosystem.
Lesson: Anchor your business in societal value. A circular model meets both environmental and economic goals.
Recognitions and Industry Influence
As winners of initiatives like the Afri‑Plastics Challenge, and innovators profiled by Nesta, Vice Versa, and Climate360, Ramtsilo has earned visibility and credibility across public and private platforms. Their approach now serves as a model for women‑led, green tech firms in Africa.
Lesson: Thought leadership and media presence amplify reach and reinforce brand story.
Table of Key Milestones
| Milestone | Impact & Lesson |
|---|---|
| 2013 – Construction startup | Built industry experience; identified resource needs |
| 2016 – Started prototyping | Turned problem insight into a tangible product |
| 2017 – Functional prototype ready | Invested time in testing before launch |
| 2019 – Market launch & pilots | Formal entry into national construction supply chain |
| 2019 – Sasol & Standard Bank awards | Gained funding, equipment, and validation |
| 2020 – Eskom BIC winner | Elevated brand and opened investor doors |
| 2021 – National retail rollout | Entered Builders Warehouse and other merchants |
| 2022 – Second factory in Benoni | Increased capacity and geographic footprint |
| 2023 – Regional recognition | Seen as leading force in circular economy and women entrepreneurship |
Actionable Insights for Entrepreneurs
- Convert expertise into opportunity: Build from existing knowledge and networks.
- Prototype patiently: Quality tech needs iterative testing, not just quick launches.
- Get certified early: Especially in regulated or safety‑critical markets.
- Persist through bias: Use performance and validation to overcome prejudice.
- Set up circular value chains: This adds resilience, purpose, and community benefit.
- Scale with intention: Expand production, reach, and placements strategically.
- Tell your story: Awards, media features, and competitions amplify your credibility.
Final Word
Kedibone and Kekeletso Tsiloane transformed a family trade business into South Africa’s first large‑scale plastic brick manufacturer. Through technical innovation, unwavering persistence, and community focus, Ramtsilo has created a new blueprint for sustainable construction. Their journey shows that deep roots, eco‑innovation, and authentic storytelling can construct much more than buildings, they can build futures.
