SA INC
SA INC is about changing conversations – from the dinner table to the shebeen, from dusty street corners to gym cafeterias. It’s about shaking off the doom and gloom of mainstream media and sharing the positive real news that doesn’t reach the headlines. SA INC tells stories about South Africa’s most progressive, innovative and switched-on organisations, that are placing people at the centre of their vision and have committed to the ethos of profit-with-purpose and the pursuit of inclusive, sustainable business growth. Be inspired as we share these stories throughout 2026, celebrating all that is good in South Africa.
Season 6
The sixth season of SA INC is now being broadcast on a number of local, national and international TV networks. Follow us on Facebook for more information.
And check back regularly on this page for more inspiring stories as we celebrate all that is good in South Africa.
SA INC – We’re not just telling stories, we’re changing lives.
BUCO
Siyakha Sonke: How BUCO is Building Together for a Stronger South Africa
From bustling stores to community hubs, BUCO is redefining what it means to be a hardware retailer in South Africa. More than just a supplier of bricks and tiles, BUCO is a brand built on relationships, respect, and an unwavering belief in people. Across the country, its footprint is growing—not only in size but in impact—empowering staff, uplifting communities, and supporting entrepreneurs from all walks of life.
At the heart of BUCO’s ethos is the principle of Siyakha Sonke — “we build together” — a philosophy that permeates everything from leadership to customer service. With over 100 stores nationwide, BUCO is deeply invested in hiring, training, and mentoring local talent. Many of its employees have grown through the ranks, from forklift drivers to store managers, supported by a leadership culture rooted in respect, teamwork, and accountability.
The stories of women in BUCO’s workforce stand as powerful examples of transformation. Whether it’s leading operations at Tiletoria in Gauteng or running Timber City in Montague Drive, women are thriving in traditionally male-dominated roles, proving that passion, grit, and opportunity can break down any barrier. BUCO champions a culture where everyone’s contribution matters and where people are encouraged to empower others as they grow.
That same spirit extends to BUCO’s customer relationships. From large contractors to weekend DIYers and the ever-growing “bakkie builder” segment, customers describe BUCO as a second home—a place where they’re known by name, their needs understood, and their dreams supported. The business offers credit facilities, competitive pricing, and trusted advice—but more importantly, it offers connection. BUCO teams pride themselves on helping small builders evolve into major contractors, actively playing a role in economic growth and enterprise development.
This commitment to community upliftment is vividly expressed through partnerships like the Co-Create Hub in Stellenbosch. Run by Ranyaka, this vibrant space connects over 30 majority black-owned businesses with access to market, mentorship, and training. Whether it’s Phel’s Hair and Beauty, Lux Catering, or Mavusana’s rooibos tea business, entrepreneurs credit the hub’s workshops, support, and collaborative energy with helping them grow. None of this would have been possible without BUCO’s generous donation of nearly R1 million in building materials to construct the space.
The impact is tangible—from job creation and skills transfer to the joy of seeing small businesses thrive. For BUCO, building homes and supplying hardware is only part of the story. Their true mission is building people. Building communities. Building a better South Africa.
As one employee reflects, “The most rewarding thing is helping people reach their full potential. It’s not about you. It’s about the bigger picture.” And BUCO is proving, day by day, project by project, that when we build together, we build something far greater than walls. We build a future.
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Pele Green Energy
Illuminating the Future: Pele Energy Group’s Impact on South African Communities
Pele Energy Group is driving structural transformation in South Africa by integrating renewable energy with community development. Founded by five individuals with an audacious vision, Pele has grown into a powerhouse of innovation, combining energy production with socio-economic upliftment. Through its subsidiary, Knowledge Pele, the group ensures that the benefits of its energy projects extend beyond power generation, creating lasting change in the communities it serves.
At the heart of Pele’s impact is the town of Touwsrivier, home to the CPV1 solar power plant, a 36-megawatt facility supplying energy to the national grid. The plant is more than an infrastructure project; it serves as an anchor for reindustrialisation, job creation, and skills development. Of the 33 employees maintaining the plant, 25 are from the local community, having transitioned from construction workers to skilled operations and maintenance professionals through in-house training. This commitment to local employment ensures that knowledge and opportunity remain embedded within the region.
Pele’s vision extends beyond energy. The Touwsrivier Commercial Hydroponics Farm (TCHF) is a testament to their holistic approach. Developed in partnership with the community trust, the farm has expanded to eight hydroponic tunnels, producing high-end crops like basil and lettuce. Hydroponics not only offers year-round farming with 90% less water usage but also provides stable employment. Individuals like Booi Okkies, who started as a general worker and who was promoted to farm supervisor, illustrate how Pele is nurturing local talent and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Education and skills training form another crucial pillar of Pele’s impact. The Katlehong Engineering School in Ekurhuleni benefits from Pele’s solar solutions, ensuring uninterrupted power for workshops and technical training. This initiative addresses youth unemployment by equipping students with practical skills, from drone technology to heavy motor vehicle licensing, making them employable immediately after graduation. Local technicians were trained to install and maintain the school’s solar system, further embedding renewable energy expertise in the community.
Beyond energy and agriculture, Pele fosters entrepreneurship. The Knowledge Pele business development programme supports small enterprises, from sewing schools to catering businesses. By guiding entrepreneurs through business fundamentals—marketing, financial planning, and strategy—Pele empowers individuals to build sustainable ventures that enrich their communities.
Pele also runs one of the largest graduate recruitment programmes in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, providing young professionals with hands-on experience akin to working in a startup, where every contribution matters. This approach ensures a new generation of industry leaders who understand both the technical and social dimensions of energy transformation.
The Pele story is one of bold ambition, resilience, and tangible impact. From its origins as five young visionaries in a garage to a company on track to deliver five gigawatts of renewable power by 2028, Pele Energy Group exemplifies how business can drive both economic and social progress. By illuminating the way forward, Pele is not just powering homes and industries—it is fueling future economies and reshaping communities for generations to come.
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