A newly acquired bakkie is already making a difference for Grob and Alex Services, a local woman-owned cleaning company that has spent the past five years building its reputation in the community. With support from Noupoort Wind Farm’s supplier development programme, the vehicle is helping to address a key operational challenge while creating opportunities for the business to grow.
Over the last couple of years, limited and unreliable transport has hindered the business’s growth and daily operations. Moving staff, equipment, and materials between sites was often costly, and often prevented the company from taking on new opportunities.
“This bakkie is improving how we work every day. It will allow us to expand into new markets and contract opportunities that we previously could not access due to a lack of reliable transport. This means we can grow our client base, generate more income, and make our business more sustainable,” said Sherean Grobbelaar, one of the founders of Grob and Alex.
Founded by two local women determined to create opportunities in their community, this SMME began by taking on small, often informal jobs. Through consistency and quality service, the business steadily grew into a trusted local provider, now employing two permanent staff members and creating additional work opportunities when needed.
Through ongoing engagement with the business, the wind farm identified transportation as a major barrier to growth. By addressing this need, the wind farm aims to strengthen the sustainability of the enterprise while contributing to broader socio-economic development in the area.
“Limited mobility is a major constraint for many small businesses in rural areas. Providing this vehicle helps unlock access to new opportunities, enabling the business to grow and become more resilient over time,” said Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Noupoort Wind Farm.
As a women-owned business, the company is proof that local businesses led by women can thrive and sustain themselves.
“Being a women-owned business in this community means a great deal to us. It represents strength, resilience, and the ability to create opportunities not only for ourselves but for others as well. We want to show that it is possible to build something sustainable and make a difference,” concluded Sherean.
