Growing up in Soshanguve, a place with many challenges, ignited Marry Chauke’s passion for business. Raised by a strong single mother, she understood the struggles of living without electricity. Her goal is to give her community a brighter future, where a lack of light doesn’t mean missing out on opportunities.
Marry’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2016, bringing light to once-dark places. When she first established Crystal Glamour PTY LTD, it provided telecommunication services and satellite installations to the local community. As load shedding worsened and more South Africans were affected, Marry redirected her business toward solar energy.
During market research, Marry identified a significant need for affordable, sustainable energy solutions in her community. Crystal Glamour stepped up, supplying Canadian solar panels, batteries, inverters, rechargeable lights, and other essential items to help during load shedding.
Marry faced various challenges on her journey but remained resolute. Joining the Nedbank-backed Ranyaka Building Business programme provided her with vital skills to tackle these obstacles. She confronted financial limitations, refined her bookkeeping practices, and navigated business management in an ever-changing economy. Her business received a further boost with a dedicated team of technicians equipped with green light certificates for solar installations.
Based in Mamelodi, Tshwane, and trading as Crystal Solar Supply, Marry looks to the future with hope and excitement. She is committed to continuing the fight against power outages and aims to provide electricity to every home and small business in her community.
“Crystal Solar is not only lighting up homes. We are helping the country’s economy shine!”
It’s difficult to believe that Marry initially considered a career in food production and distribution, given her current success in the competitive solar energy industry. Luckily, her knack for problem-solving led her in a different direction.
A strong supporter of entrepreneurship, Marry says, “Small businesses are really important for our economy. They help it grow and create jobs.” Crystal Solar Supply reflects this belief, not only lighting up homes but also helping the country’s economy shine.
Mamelodi is one of 31 communities in 8 provinces across South Africa where Ranyaka is implementing the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme. Building Business is one of 10 programmes that forms part of the Ranyaka and PoMT framework.
Images by Lizelle Lötter Photography