“Never underestimate yourself or be defined by your background. Work with what you have—and just start.”
These words from Tshego Molefi capture the essence of her journey—a story rooted in courage, purpose, and transformation.
In South Africa’s North West Province, where unemployment and poverty continue to challenge rural communities, Molefi is building something extraordinary. Through her company, Moli & Mela Group, she is turning waste into opportunity, creating jobs, and reshaping how communities think about sustainability.
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Molefi began her career in journalism. Driven by a passion for storytelling, she spent years documenting the realities of others. But over time, she realized that telling stories of change was no longer enough—she wanted to be part of that change.
In 2017, she made a bold decision to leave the newsroom and step into an unfamiliar world: business. With no formal background in waste management and limited financial resources, the path ahead was uncertain. But what she lacked in experience, she made up for in clarity of purpose.
She didn’t wait for perfect conditions—she started with what she had.
That leap of faith led to the creation of the Moli & Mela Group, an environmentally focused enterprise dedicated to recycling and sustainable waste solutions.
But for Molefi, the business was never just about environmental impact—it was about people. Her mission was clear: create opportunities for those often excluded from the formal economy and restore dignity through meaningful work.
Entering the waste management sector as a young Black woman came with its own set of challenges. It’s a space traditionally dominated by men and requires significant capital—two barriers that could have easily stopped her.
Instead, she persisted.
Her breakthrough came when Moli & Mela secured a contract with Sun City Resort—a landmark achievement that established the company’s credibility and opened doors across the industry.
More than a business win, it became a powerful symbol of representation—proof that barriers can be broken.
With momentum on her side, Molefi expanded the company’s reach and impact. Today, Moli & Mela employs dozens of full-time staff and provides income opportunities to many more through part-time work.
Her approach to hiring is intentional—prioritizing women, youth, and individuals from marginalized communities. For her, employment is just the beginning. The real goal is empowerment.
Through mentorship and skills development, she is helping people not only earn—but grow, learn, and eventually lead.
In 2024, Molefi’s work gained international recognition when she received the She’s Next Social Impact Award—a testament to her innovative and community-driven approach to business.
Yet, she sees this as just one milestone in a much larger journey.
Her next ambition is the development of a large-scale recycling facility, expected to create hundreds of jobs while advancing sustainable infrastructure in underserved regions.
Her vision is simple but powerful: waste is not a problem—it’s an opportunity waiting to be unlocked.
At the core of Molefi’s journey is purpose. Her experiences growing up in a community shaped by economic hardship continue to influence her mission.
She is not just building a company—she is rewriting narratives. Showing that background does not limit potential, and that success can be built from resilience, not privilege.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: start where you are, with what you have. Progress follows action.
As Tshego Molefi continues to grow Moli & Mela Group, her influence extends far beyond business.
She is building a movement—one that blends sustainability with social impact, economic growth with inclusion, and ambition with empathy.
Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can do more than generate profit—it can uplift communities, challenge systems, and create lasting change.
.jpeg)
