Morumotsho Charcoal was founded with a clear vision: to turn an environmental challenge into a sustainable opportunity. Based in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the company is dedicated to combating the unchecked spread of invasive wattle, a plant that threatens biodiversity and depletes vital water resources.
More than just producing high-quality fuel, the business focuses on community empowerment and job creation. Its founder, Atang Ramabele from Nchodu Village in Matatiele, recognised that clearing invasive plants and converting them into charcoal, briquettes, and firewood could provide meaningful work while restoring degraded land.
“By clearing invasive plants, we help the environment recover, and by processing the wood into fuel, we create jobs and skills that support livelihoods,” Ramabele explained.
Morumotsho Charcoal places young people and local residents at the centre of its operations. They are trained in sustainable harvesting techniques, charcoal production, and quality control, equipping them with practical skills that can generate income and open doors for future employment in green industries.
The company also prioritises environmental responsibility. Its harvesting practices protect indigenous trees and ecosystems, while cleared areas improve water retention, benefiting agriculture and livestock farming in surrounding communities.
Its premium charcoal and briquettes cater to household and commercial users, burning cleaner and longer than conventional fuels, while offering a sustainable alternative for energy needs.
Looking ahead, Morumotsho Charcoal plans to expand operations, increase employment, and strengthen partnerships with environmental and community organisations. Training programmes will continue, ensuring young people gain knowledge in sustainable land management and green enterprise.
Through its innovative approach, Morumotsho Charcoal is not only restoring the environment but also planting seeds of opportunity—creating jobs, transferring skills, and empowering communities across the Eastern Cape.
Description: From clearing invasive wattle to producing sustainable charcoal, Morumotsho Charcoal is turning an environmental challenge into a source of jobs, skills development, and economic opportunity. Based in the Eastern Cape, the business trains local youth in sustainable harvesting and charcoal production, creating pathways for livelihoods and community empowerment.
Editor’s Note:
Atang Ramabele’s story demonstrates how entrepreneurship can address environmental challenges while building community resilience. By teaching young people to harvest invasive plants and convert them into fuel, Morumotsho Charcoal is equipping the next generation with marketable skills while generating employment. This story highlights the power of green enterprise in driving both environmental restoration and socio-economic impact.
Editor: Thato Mahlangu
Project Manager: Do4SA
