Slokotho Holdings Primary Co-operative
| Business Location: | Urban |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Branch: | uMgungundlovu |
| Business Start Date: | 2012-06-07 |
| Busniess Type: | Co-operative |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
1. Manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipment
2. Production of corporate workwear (e.g., overalls, uniforms)
3. Design and manufacturing of branded footwear under the Silo-K brand (school shoes, sandals, sneakers)
4. Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) services for clothing and protective gear
5. Export-oriented production for global markets
Challenges/Needs:
1. Significant drop in production volume from 15 orders (±3,000 units) to 5 orders (±1,000 units)
2. Faced financial strain but avoided downsizing
3. Needed to strengthen internal systems and operations for sustainability
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
SEDFA’s comprehensive support included both financial and non-financial interventions:
1. Successful facilitation of R2.5 million grant funding through SEFA’s Grant Programme
2. Installation of a basic bookkeeping system and payroll solution, enhancing financial
discipline
3. Training on the use of the bookkeeping system for the internal admin and finance team
4. Support with marketing collateral, including:
4.1 Design and supply of branded pull-up banners
4.2 Professionally produced brochures and business cards
4.3 A custom-branded tablecloth for exhibitions and trade fairs
5. Business coaching on quality management, cost modelling, and market positioning
6. Strategic guidance and support during the launch of the Silo-K footwear brand
1. Successful facilitation of R2.5 million grant funding through SEFA’s Grant Programme
2. Installation of a basic bookkeeping system and payroll solution, enhancing financial
discipline
3. Training on the use of the bookkeeping system for the internal admin and finance team
4. Support with marketing collateral, including:
4.1 Design and supply of branded pull-up banners
4.2 Professionally produced brochures and business cards
4.3 A custom-branded tablecloth for exhibitions and trade fairs
5. Business coaching on quality management, cost modelling, and market positioning
6. Strategic guidance and support during the launch of the Silo-K footwear brand
Outcome Details:
1. Operational Expansion: The R2.5 million grant funding allowed Silokotho to acquire
new machinery, improve factory capacity, and increase overall production
efficiency.
2. Workforce Retention: Despite a drop in order volumes and revenue, Silokotho
retained over 50 employees, preserving jobs in the local community.
3. Financial Discipline: The installation of a bookkeeping and payroll system, along
with one-year licensing coverage and training, strengthened the business’s financial
management and compliance posture.
4. Revenue Stabilization and Growth Pathway: Although the business experienced a
revenue decline of R949,620, internal restructuring and Silo-K brand development
have positioned the business for revenue recovery and future profitability.
5. Improved Brand Visibility: The provision of branded banners, brochures, business
cards, and a tablecloth enhanced Silokotho’s professional image in stakeholder
engagements and exhibitions.
6. Market Repositioning: The launch of the Silo-K footwear line allowed Silokotho to
transition from dependency on third-party suppliers to establishing itself as an
independent brand with direct client relationships.
7. Export and Exhibition Readiness: Silokotho has been selected to exhibit at the
Global SME Ministerial Meet (22–24 July 2025) — a major milestone signaling global
competitiveness and future access to international markets.
new machinery, improve factory capacity, and increase overall production
efficiency.
2. Workforce Retention: Despite a drop in order volumes and revenue, Silokotho
retained over 50 employees, preserving jobs in the local community.
3. Financial Discipline: The installation of a bookkeeping and payroll system, along
with one-year licensing coverage and training, strengthened the business’s financial
management and compliance posture.
4. Revenue Stabilization and Growth Pathway: Although the business experienced a
revenue decline of R949,620, internal restructuring and Silo-K brand development
have positioned the business for revenue recovery and future profitability.
5. Improved Brand Visibility: The provision of branded banners, brochures, business
cards, and a tablecloth enhanced Silokotho’s professional image in stakeholder
engagements and exhibitions.
6. Market Repositioning: The launch of the Silo-K footwear line allowed Silokotho to
transition from dependency on third-party suppliers to establishing itself as an
independent brand with direct client relationships.
7. Export and Exhibition Readiness: Silokotho has been selected to exhibit at the
Global SME Ministerial Meet (22–24 July 2025) — a major milestone signaling global
competitiveness and future access to international markets.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
We are truly grateful for the ongoing support we receive from SEDFA. Even when we keep coming back for assistance, they never get tired of us. The team is always available, responsive, and committed to helping us grow. This consistent support has made a real difference in our journey. — T. Gqwaru, Silokotho Holdings
