FORMER BOILERMAKER LEANS ON ‘PROFITABLE’ EXPERTISE
FRANCISTOWN: As a former boilermaker at several local mines, Bianca Ramatebele uses her know-how and creativity to make ends meet through a welding and fabrication business.
The 38-year-old ‘woman of steel’ originally from Maunatlala is a leading example of female representation in a male-oriented welding industry through her business, Cubre Metal Works Pty (Ltd). Ramatebele, who was born and raised here at Somerset West, operates her business which manufactures diverse steel window frames from Selebi-Phikwe Industrial. Speaking to BusinessMonitor, Ramatebele said she started her company after years of service in the mining industry as a boilermaker. The ‘Iron Lady’ said she worked as a boilermaker at reputable mining companies such as Tati Nickel, Karowe Mine, Sowa Mine amongst others on a contract basis. According to the professional female boilermaker, sometimes back when her contract was not renewed she decided to venture into a welding and fabrication business. Ramatebele added she tested the waters in the welding and fabrication business six years ago, but failed during its inception due to the economic disruption in the smoking town.
She said the closure of the BCL Mine and being the new kid-on-the-block in the male-dominated market contributed to her several challenges. This lead to emotional distress hence she decided to quit the business. The welder stated that after five years of ceasing the business operations she took a deliberate decision to re-open last year. The steel entrepreneur said her business was boosted financially by the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and they were back in business. Ramatebele said with the experience she has garnered in the welding and fabrication spaces, she has always dreamt of being the first woman to dominate the business which is mostly operated by foreigners. “My highest qualification is an NCC in welding and fabrication acquired from Selebi-Phikwe Technical College,” she explained. She further said even though her business is doing well, the greatest challenge is the shortage of and high costs of materials from local hardwares who are their major suppliers.
She indicated that they use window section Lfx7, which is a heavy-duty material while local manufacturers use window section Lf7, a light-duty material that differentiate them from their competitors.
The resilient entrepreneur said that she aspires to expand her business and tap into the mining industry. She added that she also plans to be the biggest supplier of all steel window frames to local hardwares in order to block the importation of international products. She shared that currently Cubre Metalworks has created employment for 12 young Batswana and wishes to employ more as they expand in a few months to come.