How Maphala Matome Transformed Geysers into a Growing Steel Brand: Lessons from Matswi Steel Creations
How Maphala Matome Transformed Geysers into a Growing Steel Brand: Lessons from Matswi Steel Creations. In the township of Seshego, Limpopo, lies a workshop where discarded geysers find new life. Behind this transformation is Maphala Matome, the self-taught welder who turned broken metal into a thriving small business called Matswi Steel Creations. What began as crafting braai stands from old geysers has grown into a niche brand known for built-in fireplaces, braai grills, custom steelwork, and more.
Matome’s journey is rooted in curiosity and resourcefulness. After completing an electrical trade apprenticeship, he noticed old geysers lying unused around households. One evening, seated in his backyard, he proposed turning a discarded geyser into a braai stand. His brother liked the idea, and together they welded their first unit. To their surprise, their parents bought it immediately. That first sale sparked the vision of doing steelwork differently, recycling waste into functional art.
Turning a Side Hustle into a Registered Business
Matswi Steel Creations was formally incorporated in August 2020 under the name Matswi Steel Creations (Pty) Ltd, headquartered in Zone 4, Seshego, Polokwane. From that moment, Matome moved from informal projects to structured business operations. He registered for VAT, established a workshop address, and began marketing via social media and local distributors.
Today, the brand is active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, showcasing its built-in braai stands, fireplaces, smokers, and custom steelwork.
Milestones, Innovations, and Expansion
- Recycling as differentiation: Unlike competitors who use standard steel drums, Matswi emphasizes that they use old geysers, turning waste into value.
- Product diversification: Beyond braai stands, they now create built-in fireplaces, smokers, and integrated steel installations.
- Distributor partnerships: To overcome delivery constraints beyond Polokwane, Matswi secured a distributor outlet in Gauteng, 4King Fantasties Store in Pretoria, to expand reach.
- Media exposure and brand visibility: Matome appeared on programs like Capricorn FM to pitch the brand and joined local entrepreneur pitch platforms to boost recognition.
Challenges That Tested the Brand
As demand grew, Matswi Steel Creations faced several challenges:
- Shortage of raw materials: The supply of discarded geysers can be inconsistent, limiting production scale.
- Delivery logistics: Transporting heavy steel goods outside the immediate region was expensive and complex. The Gauteng distribution partnership was a key workaround.
- Scaling production while preserving craft: As orders multiplied, maintaining quality and uniqueness across each piece required standardising processes while preserving artistry.
Matome addressed these by building relationships with plumbing waste collectors, investing in better logistics planning, and training assistants to follow his welding standards.
Strategic Marketing & Relationship Building
Matswi’s marketing is grounded in authenticity. Matome regularly posts his projects, before and after images, in-progress welding, and finished installations, on social platforms. His storytelling emphasizes craftsmanship, sustainability, and custom steel design. This strategy draws customers who appreciate originality and local creation.
He also uses word of mouth in local communities, collaborations with builders and renovators, and presence in local trade shows to build credibility.
Lessons for Aspiring Steelpreneurs & Creators
- Start with what you have: Old geysers became the raw material for Matome’s first pieces. Use available resources creatively.
- Differentiate through story: Recycling waste steel and offering custom craftsmanship made Matswi stand out.
- Balance scale and quality: Growth must protect the reputation of your craft, train helpers, standardise key steps, but preserve uniqueness.
- Expand smartly: Use distributor partnerships or satellite outlets to reach farther markets without overextending logistics.
- Market your craft: Let your work speak visually, show process, finished product, behind the scenes. People connect with authenticity.
The Legacy Matswi Steel Creations is Forging
What began as a backyard welding experiment has grown into a memorable brand known across Limpopo and beyond. For Matome, success is not just about steelwork, it’s about taking waste, giving it life, and creating beauty that brings people together around the fire.
His journey reminds entrepreneurs that craft, purpose, and perseverance can turn discarded metal into a brand that stands solid, just like the fireplaces and braai stands Matswi creates.
