Maropeng Madumo’s entrepreneurial spirit started to blossom at a very young age. She was in grade 3 when she discovered that her mom’s passion for selling was contagious. She soon joined her mother in vending sweets and snacks at school – planting the seeds of entrepreneurship for years to come!
Her culinary flair later steered her towards cooking, eventually leading Maropeng to sell chicken and beef wraps on the streets of Pretoria. As the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, the need to adapt arose – and so over time, Dado Foodies (Pty) Ltd evolved from a takeout spot in Mamelodi to offering catering services, specifically for corporate and private events.
Dado Foodies has since become synonymous with catering excellence. They cater to various events—weddings, parties, meetings, workshops, conferences, and more. Their diverse menu ranges from buffet spreads, grazing tables, pre-packed meals, breakfast, lunch, desserts, and dinner, all customised to exceed customer expectations.
The journey has not been a walk in the park. Starting from street vending to establishing a professional catering service has had its share of challenges. The business often teetered on the edge, facing financial uncertainties, the blows of a worldwide pandemic and loadshedding.
Still, Maropeng’s vision remains steadfast. Dado Foodies aspires to becoming a renowned catering service across Gauteng and other provinces in the next 18 months. In the following two to three years, Maropeng’s aspiration is to operate two to three canteens in corporate settings.
The Nedbank-funded Ranyaka Building Business programme proved to be a game-changer for Maropeng. It honed her skills in marketing, management, finance, digital strategies, and discipline – transforming her business approach, and moving Dado Foodies from serving a small clientéle to catering to a larger audience.
Maropeng understands that the journey of the entrepreneur can be a lonely one. Balancing business dedication with personal well-being is crucial. Amidst the challenges, having family support remains invaluable to navigate potential feelings of being lost or depressed. Market research, she emphasises, is the key. Knowing the customer and testing the market are critical steps before taking the plunge. Maropeng believes that starting with all one’s energy and determination leads to success.
For Maropeng, this journey is not just about business; it’s about building a legacy for her children. The joy of seeing that legacy take shape propels her to work harder every day.
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