Everyday 
recyclable and scrap materials such as boxes, plastic bottles, tin cans and scrap wood can be repurposed into moulds for casting concrete, plaster and recycled plastics.
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Vuk’uzenzele spoke to Siphokazi Ngcobo, founder of Buhle Bendalo Luxe, a proudly South African home décor business in KwaZulu-Natal that creates luxury handcrafted décor using sustainable materials.
The business was registered in 2024 and officially started trading in January 2026.
“We started by making decorative pieces from paper and later expanded into plaster art. We also use recyclable materials to create moulds, reducing waste while producing unique, high-quality products,” said Ngcobo.
Every piece is inspired by nature and designed to bring elegance into homes while promoting environmental sustainability.
Although still a young business, Buhle Bendalo Luxe has already participated in several exhibitions, including Decorex Joburg 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Decorex is one of South Africa’s leading décor, design and lifestyle exhibitions, bringing together exhibitors, industry experts and homeowners to explore the latest trends in modern living.
While the business has not yet received government funding, Ngcobo said support from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) helped raise its profile.
“SEDFA provided marketing materials and sponsored our participation at Decorex. This opportunity gave my business valuable exposure, allowed me to showcase my products to a wider audience and helped me build important business networks,” she said.
Before starting the business, Ngcobo worked for more than eight years as an administrator in various industries. She said the experience provided valuable skills that helped her run a business.
Because the company is still in its first year of operation, it currently employs one casual worker.
“The most rewarding part of being a woman entrepreneur in democratic South Africa is knowing that I can create opportunities not only for myself, but for other people as well. I am proud to contribute to the economy while showing other women that it is possible to turn a passion into a successful business,” she said.
Ngcobo encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs not to wait for perfect conditions before starting a business.
“Start with what you have and make the most of every opportunity. Believe in your vision, work hard, keep learning and never give up when challenges come.”
The business sells its products at the Florida Road Market in KwaZulu-Natal, through its website and on social media platforms.
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