Bridgement + The Slow Fund: Meet Thabang Mafela

In partnership with the Slow Fund, we’re incredibly excited to announce that Thabang Mafela, founder of Hokae Mobile Billboards, is the second of four entrepreneurs to win a R20 000 interest-free, fee-free business loan from Bridgement. 

Hokae Mobile Billboards

Launched by Thabang during the peak of Covid in 2020, Hokae Mobile Billboards is not only in the business of outdoor mobile marketing and advertising operating in Ekurhuleni, but also a delivery service available to those living in Thabang’s community. How is one entrepreneur able to do both? Thabang created a mobile billboard that’s able to hold small loads within an enclosed container, mounted directly onto a tricycle. 

In order to bring this business to life, Thabang had to think outside of the box. “The first phase was to convert a normal 26 inch mountain bike into a tricycle,” he explains. “I had to find an individual within my community who has the required skills to do the conversion. This process was initially started by a boilermaker, then later I had to hire another individual in order to ensure that the drive-train and chains function as desired.”

With Steers and Milky Way recently signing up with Hokae for flyer drop campaigns, Thabang is excited for what’s to come and plans to expand his business with another advertising and delivery trike. “I foresee an increased demand for the emerging service,” he says.

The Slow Fund

The Slow Fund is an initiative which helps budding entrepreneurs launch small businesses by offering free funding to an entrepreneur every day for a year to cover initial start-up costs or provide a cash injection.

Bridgement has partnered with the Slow Fund and is giving a R20 000 interest-fee, fee-free business loan to the top Slow Fund entrepreneur each quarter, with Thabang being the second recipient. Along with the loan, the winning entrepreneurs will also get a free payment holiday of up to six months to give them enough time to put the funding to work in their business.

To access a fast and flexible credit facility for your business, apply online at Bridgement by heading here.