Inyosi is delighted to announce our latest loan funding beneficiary, Roma Bricks (Pty) Ltd. an established fully black-owned enterprise. Roma Bricks is situated in the rural setting of Balmoral, Mpumalanga; overlooking Kusile Power Station, about 1.5hr north-east of Johannesburg. Roma Bricks has a profoundly positive socio-economic impact on this community.
Inyosi Empowerment’s loan funding to Roma Bricks aligns with our mission to provide development finance to black-owned enterprises with established business models that drive real economic impact in their communities.
The journey of Roma Bricks began in 1980, but its transformation began in earnest in 2012, when entrepreneurial brothers Ismail and Ebrahim Abdullah acquired the business. Recognizing the opportunity to uplift their community, they expanded Roma Bricks intoone of the largest private employers in the region. The clay brick manufacturer has become a cornerstone of the local economy.
However, Roma Bricks’ story is more than just about bricks and business structures. It’s a story of human ingenuity and resilience. The Abdullah brothers both studied their B Com Honours in Accounting Sciences at the University of Pretoria. Ishmail and Ebrahim bring complementary expertise to Roma Bricks, creating a balance between business acumen and technical knowledge.
Ebrahim Abdullah is responsible for financial operations, organizational management, and market development, ensuring the company’s administrative foundation remains strong and its products reach the right customers. Meanwhile, brother Ismail Abdullah brings specialized engineering knowledge to the production floor, expertly overseeing the technical processes of brick manufacturing from clay preparation to firing and quality control. This division of responsibilities allows each brother to focus on his area of strength, creating a synergy that has proven instrumental to Roma Bricks’ continued growth and success.
In June 2024 the company restored and commissioned its second kiln, enhancing production capacity to more than 4 million bricks a month. This reduced the cost of brick production while maintaining high product quality and allowed Roma Bricks to offer their products at a competitive rate compared to the industry average. Inyosi’s funding will provide the working capital needed to support this enhanced production capacity and will fuel the company’s long-term growth.
The expansion has fuelled job creation, with Roma Bricks now employing 280 full-time workers, the majority of whom come from local rural and marginalized communities. Additionally, 80 recurring temporary jobs have been created to support increased brick production, providing much-needed employment in an area with limited economic opportunities.
Roma Bricks owns valid mining rights for a clay quarry nearby, with clay reserves expected for decades, ensuring long-term operational stability. Additionally, a sizeable rehabilitation fund is in place to restore land post-mining, demonstrating their understanding of and commitment to environmental responsibility.
Roma Bricks fosters further local entrepreneurship partnerships by outsourcing the hauling of clay from its nearby mine to local business people. This creates opportunities for local contractors to run their own businesses while contributing to the brick manufacturing supply chain further stimulating the regional economy. By empowering local contractors to transport their clay, they are helping to nurture other black-owned businesses in their community and creating a win-win situation which enhances their own long-term sustainability. Roma Bricks also participates in local social programs in their area because they believe in lifting as they rise.
Adam, the plant manager, who is extremely knowledgeable, consistently mentors and upskills workers who grow and have been promoted from general workers to quality controllers. Roma Bricks is actively engaged in community housing and entrepreneurial initiatives. Importantly, Roma Bricks have also implemented a comprehensive maintenance plan for their equipment which runs 24/7 the entire year other than when the plant is closed for maintenance. “Regular maintenance is crucial in manufacturing,” says Ebrahim. “we’re building up sufficient stock levels to allow us to shut down machines for six to eight weeks of comprehensive maintenance annually, ensuring the longevity of our equipment and sustainability of our operations.”
Roma Bricks manufactures standard clay face and semi-face bricks, but their expertise extends to producing bespoke blends for non-standard bricks in various colours and textures. This craftsmanship has positioned them as a preferred supplier for both residential and commercial construction projects.
With its increased production capacity, Roma Bricks is now able to offer more competitive pricing, positioning itself as a leading supplier in the market. The company has established strong partnerships with major retailers and developers, including Balwin Properties, Cashbuild, and Buildit. The expansion also strengthens its ability to meet the growing demand for quality clay bricks nationwide.
Their upgraded kilns, which operate at 1000C and 24/7, also feature automated fuel systems, allowing for efficient energy use with the flexibility to switch between coal, diesel, oil, or gas if needed. This ensures uninterrupted production and cost efficiency.
With funding support from Inyosi, Roma Bricks is set to continue its growth trajectory while maintaining its commitment to community development and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Through its partnership with Inyosi Empowerment, Roma Bricks continues to demonstrate how strategic funding can drive business growth, job creation, and community upliftment.
For black-owned businesses interested in learning more about Inyosi’s opportunities, click here to enquire about an Inyosi loan today.