How Zimkhitha Duze and Uuka Bricks are shaping a greener future, one brick at a time

In Homelite, Kimberley, a bold vision is taking shape, not inside a polished factory or sprawling industrial park, but through a small startup, powered by determination, a compact brick-making machine, and the drive to change lives. Meet Zimkhitha Duze, the founder of Uuka Bricks, an eco-friendly brick manufacturing initiative still in its early stages but with the potential to transform not only construction but also communities across the Northern Cape and beyond.

Armed with a finance background and a heart for social impact, Duze is currently producing sustainable bricks using a small-scale machine, crafting each unit with care. Her goal? To grow Uuka Bricks into a fully-fledged manufacturing business that reduces plastic waste, creates jobs, and makes green building materials accessible and affordable.

Right now, her operation is humble but powerful. Each brick is produced using a combination of waste materials, with 30% plastic content, along with sand and cement. This formula reduces landfill waste and contributes to a cleaner environment while ensuring a durable and affordable product. The business currently offers three brick types at highly competitive prices: R3.50 for stock bricks, R6.50 for maxi bricks, and R7.50 for hollow bricks.

But to truly rise, Uuka Bricks needs support. Duze is actively seeking investors and partners to help her scale operations, expand production capacity, and amplify her social and environmental impact. With Kimberley as her launchpad and sustainability at her core, this is more than a business; it’s a call to action.

The roots of a vision

“I’m Zimkhitha Duze, originally from Kimberley in the Northern Cape,” she begins. With a background in Finance and a deep-seated passion for entrepreneurship and social impact, Duze’s story is not just about bricks; it’s about transformation.

The seeds of Uuka Bricks were planted in her childhood, nurtured by her lived experiences in a region plagued by youth unemployment and waste management issues. “Growing up in Kimberley, I witnessed firsthand the challenges our communities face, especially the long-term effects of pollution and the hopelessness caused by unemployment,” she reflects. “I wanted to be part of the solution.”

That drive led her to found Uuka Bricks, a business that not only recycles waste into building materials but also aims to “rise”, as the name Uuka (meaning “to rise” in isiXhosa) implies, above systemic issues to build something meaningful, sustainable, and deeply rooted in community empowerment.

A defining moment in Kimberley

The turning point came during a seemingly ordinary walk in her neighbourhood. “I saw heaps of waste piling up near a field where children were playing,” she recalls. “It hit me hard, not just from an environmental point of view, but also as a reminder of how deeply underdevelopment and pollution affect our daily lives.”

This was more than just a moment of concern. It sparked a realisation: waste could be transformed into value. With the added inspiration of conversations with local entrepreneurs trying to survive against all odds, the idea for Uuka Bricks took root. “I realised we could solve two problems at once, reduce waste and create jobs. That’s when it all started to take shape in my mind.”

Making bricks that build more than walls

Uuka Bricks isn’t just different in mission; it’s different in method. Unlike traditional bricks that rely heavily on clay and water, Uuka’s bricks incorporate plastic waste and other recyclable materials. “This not only diverts waste from landfills but significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the production process,” Duze explains.

The benefits aren’t only environmental. Thanks to the use of recycled materials and an efficient manufacturing process, the bricks are also more affordable, an important factor for low-income housing and community development projects in areas like Kimberley.

“We’re showing that you don’t have to choose between quality and sustainability. Our bricks are strong, cost-effective, and better for the planet,” she says.

The hurdles and the hope

Of course, building a business from scratch, particularly in green manufacturing, is no small feat. One of the most pressing challenges Duze has faced is accessing adequate funding and a suitable production site. “Since 2022, we’ve been applying to the local municipality for land to set up a permanent site. We’ve done countless follow-ups but are still waiting for a response,” she admits.

Operating with limited resources has required relentless creativity and determination. “We’ve had to run lean while trying to stay true to our mission. It hasn’t been easy, but we believe in the impact Uuka Bricks can make.”

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Duze also faces gendered challenges. “There are times I’m not taken seriously. But I’ve learnt to show up, be prepared, and keep going. I lean into my network, apply for support programmes, and continue learning every step of the way.”

The recognition and the real reward

In spite of these obstacles, Uuka Bricks has already garnered national attention. It was named one of the Top 50 upcoming businesses in South Africa by the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute in collaboration with ABSA.

“That was a proud moment,” Duze says. “But honestly, the biggest reward is hearing from young people in Kimberley who say they’re inspired by what we’re doing. It reminds me that this business is a movement, not just a company.”

Creating jobs, creating change

Job creation is central to Uuka Bricks’ mission. By hiring and training local youth and women in areas like production and logistics, the business offers more than just employment; it offers empowerment.

“We’re not only giving people jobs. We’re giving them skills and confidence,” Duze says. “We will be working with local suppliers and contractors, which will help stimulate the broader economy.”

The personal impact is also profound. “Honestly, the biggest life change through Uuka Bricks is mine,” she admits. “This journey has forced me to grow in ways I never expected. It’s taught me resilience, leadership, and the power of believing in a vision.”

Building through partnerships

Key partnerships have helped Uuka Bricks. Collaborations with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA), and the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute have been instrumental.

“These organisations have provided mentorship, training, and funding opportunities targeted at youth and women,” Duze says. “We’re also working with community groups, local hardware stores, and developers to bring our bricks into more projects.”

One of the most pressing needs, however, remains unfulfilled: a dedicated production site. “We continue to engage with local municipalities; so far, we have received no answers, but we’re hopeful that with more support, we’ll get there,” she adds.

A Model for the Future

The potential of Uuka Bricks extends far beyond Kimberley. “This model is scalable. It can work in Johannesburg, other provinces, and even across the continent,” Duze believes. “Plastic pollution and unemployment are everywhere. So are opportunities to do better.”

Her vision is bold but grounded: a South Africa where sustainable building materials are the norm, where green innovation drives economic growth, and where young entrepreneurs, especially women, are supported at every level.

“To get there, we need more access to funding, more affordable working spaces, and stronger mentorship programmes. Government, the private sector, and communities all have a role to play,” she insists.

A final word to young dreamers

For young people wanting to make a difference, especially women, Duze offers heartfelt advice: “Trust yourself and your dreams. Don’t wait for permission. Use what you have, where you are, and start. Every challenge will teach you something important.”

Her journey is far from over, but her path is already lighting the way for others. With every brick moulded from waste, every job created, and every young person inspired, Zimkhitha Duze and Uuka Bricks are proving that real change starts from the ground up, one eco-brick at a time.