Mahlatse Lekwadu’s journey in the mining supply industry

At 52 years old, Mahlatse Lekwadu stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment in the male-dominated mining and industrial supply sector, proving that limitations can indeed become the foundations of strength.

Based in Steelpoort, Limpopo, her enterprise, Magadine Business Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, has flourished over its seven-year journey, demonstrating how a woman living with a neurological disorder can not only overcome significant challenges but also challenge the status quo on inclusivity and representation.

Growing up in Bothashoek village and later Burgersfort, Mahlatse’s background has shaped her determination.

Her early schooling at Madinoge Primary School and Mmiditsi Secondary School laid a foundational belief that education and perseverance can lead to possibilities beyond one's immediate circumstances.

“I don’t have a dis-ability—I have a different-ability,” she proudly declares, embodying a narrative that redefines limitations into potentials.

The road to entrepreneurship, however, was fraught with obstacles, particularly for a woman entering an industrial sector predominantly seen through the lens of male leadership.

From 2018 to 2021, Magadine operated under a subcontract, limiting her ability to establish a firm foothold in the market.

Financial constraints made starting the business exceedingly difficult; reliance on loans from family and friends, combined with personal credit, were the pillars upon which her dream began to materialise. For the initial three years, Mahlatse and her team operated out of her garage—a setting that often starkly contrasted the ambitious visions she held for her company.

Accessibility, also, posed a significant barrier. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure and the complexities of navigating vendor registration in the mining sector often left Mahlatse feeling disheartened.

“Getting registered as a vendor was a drawn-out process,” she recounts. “I had to persistently send daily emails until we secured our vendor number.”

Yet, through determination and an unyielding spirit, Mahlatse has gained tender opportunities, establishing relationships with industry giants like Glencore Eastern Mine and Lion Smelter.

Today, as Magadine Business Enterprise continues to thrive, Mahlatse remains unyielding in her commitment to uplift fellow women and individuals with disabilities.

This passion for mentorship and nurturing young talent comes from her aspiration for a better future, especially for her children.

“I take joy in mentoring others and continuously learning from the youth,” she affirms. However, the journey is not without its current challenges. Finding a reliable marketing consultant has proven complicated; unfortunately, not everyone has upheld the responsibilities required.

"We are looking for a passionate marketer who can take Magadine Business to the next level,” she states—her resolve as strong as ever.

Mahlatse Lekwadu’s story is not merely about business triumph; it is a profound statement about resilience, inclusion, and the drive for economic empowerment.

As she continues to navigate both the complexities of entrepreneurship and the brewing storms of personal challenges, her journey will undoubtedly inspire countless others, paving the way for future generations in the mining and industrial sectors—a field where representation is essential yet often lacking.

BUSINESS REPORT

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