At BUCO, building homes is just the beginning. This is where purpose meets people. Through hubs, branches, and strong partnerships, BUCO is helping South Africans turn passion into progress. From hairdressers to builders, these are stories of growth, grit, and grace, and what happens when a company truly invests in people.
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their Stories
Esre Schoeman, Corporate Manager Shared Services, The Building Company
For Esre, leadership means upliftment. She empowers 170 team members through training, mentoring, and care. Her work reaches beyond office walls, impacting homes and communities. Watching people flourish gives her joy—because in her world, success is measured by how many others you’ve helped rise.
Phelisa Bekwa, Owner, Phel’s Hair & Beauty
Phelisa built her business from scratch inside the CoCreate Hub. From being unknown to fully booked, she now helps people look and feel their best. Learning to market and manage her salon gave her confidence—and a steady stream of smiling clients walking through her doors daily.
Leroy Jansen, Owner, Lux Caterers
Leroy’s passion for food started in his grandmother’s kitchen. With support from the CoCreate Hub, he turned it into Lux Caterers. Now serving students and locals alike, every dish he plates is a celebration of rustic simplicity—and one step closer to owning his dream restaurant
Vusi Mokoena, Founder, Mavusana Tea
Vusi went from selling tea door-to-door to becoming a recognized entrepreneur through workshops at the CoCreate Hub. Mavusana, his rooibos tea brand, blends tradition and health. The business gave him purpose, visibility, and a platform to inspire others in the township to dream bigger.
Marli Goussard, Co-Founder, CoCreate Hub Stellenbosch
Marli helps businesses thrive by addressing their deepest needs—access to markets. Through the Hub, she supports over 30 black-owned businesses with mentorship, training, and a community. It’s not just about trade—it’s about connection, inclusion, and the kind of support that changes economic destinies.
Chantal Lawson, Cluster Executive, Tiletoria
Chantal has led Tiletoria’s Gauteng operations for 15 years. She believes in nurturing talent—from forklift drivers to managers—and building legacies. Walking through her workplace feels like coming home. It’s the culture, energy, and people-first philosophy that make her role more than just a job.
Bertus Malan, Branch Manager, BUCO Somerset West
For Bertus, customers are family. With 25 years at BUCO, he’s watched weekend warriors and small builders grow into major contractors. His passion lies in helping others succeed. Every smile, every return customer, reminds him why he shows up daily—with knowledge, heart, and a commitment to shared growth.
Evan de Jager, Director, BOUKOP Properties
Evan sees beauty in building—creating something from nothing. With BUCO’s support, he’s built more than homes; he’s built a legacy. Their accessibility and credit facilities make each project smoother. His joy? Watching labourers grow into skilled tradesmen. For Evan, construction is people-powered, and every brick tells a story.
Xander Moore, Owner, Xander Construction
For Xander, BUCO isn’t just a supplier. It’s family. After 15 years of loyalty, he knows every staff member by name. Their support helped him grow from builder to business owner, now managing a full crew and multimillion-rand projects. His story is one of trust, growth, and solid foundations.
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BUCO is more than a hardware store. It’s a heartbeat in every community it touches. For over two decades, employees like Bertus Malan have watched weekend DIYers grow into million-rand contractors. His belief? Success starts with service, and at BUCO, customers are treated like family.
Across the country, BUCO branches are creating jobs and nurturing futures. Gavin Vorster and Matome Sekgota aren’t just managers—they’re mentors, investing in young staff, fostering teamwork, and building respectful, empowered teams. Keamogetswe Putu, once a learner, is now thriving as a cashier in a space where women are proving they belong.
BUCO’s impact extends beyond its walls. Through the CoCreate Hub, supported by BUCO’s nearly R1 million in building materials, over 30 black-owned businesses now trade daily. Entrepreneurs like Phelisa Bekwa and Leroy Jansen have gone from invisible to in-demand. Vusi Mokoena’s tea brand now reaches a national audience, all made possible through BUCO’s belief in township talent.
From customers to contractors, from learners to leaders, BUCO is helping people rise. Their footprint is not just physical; it’s personal. Whether supplying timber, skills, or belief, BUCO is quietly building what matters most: lives, livelihoods, and lasting legacies across South Africa.
