Women to Watch: Linda Habebe

Breaking Barriers in the Oil and Gas Industry - ORT SA Business Directory's Business of the Month

This Woman's Month we take a look at a woman bursting through the glass ceiling and inspiring other women to enter into the oil and gas industry. From a young age, Linda Hadebe knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur. Whether it was running a small venture or a large enterprise, her goal was clear: she wanted to lead a company. The COVID-19 pandemic became the pioneer of her own ambitions and registered PELZ Holdings in 2022. Linda chose to target the oil and gas sector, an industry largely dominated by men, with the insight that fuel would remain essential for a long time, even as eco-friendly options emerge.

One of the significant challenges Linda faced was managing the business single-handedly. Unlike many businesses in the industry that rely on collaborative partnerships, Linda self-educated and navigated the complex, regulated sector alone. “Being a one-man army in such a large industry was incredibly difficult,” she shares. However, through determination and hard work, she built a network of suppliers and partners, positioning her business to compete effectively in the market.

PELZ Holdings is set to make a substantial impact on both the economy and the community. The company is in the process of acquiring trucks, which will create job opportunities for drivers, helping to reduce unemployment and support families. Linda emphasizes the crucial role fuel plays in the country's economy, influencing even the exchange rate through import and export dynamics.

For Linda, the business is more than a commercial venture; it's a legacy. "This business is going to have a future benefit for many people to come," she says, reflecting on the journey and her long-term goals. She is excited about the contributions PELZ Holdings is making towards reducing climate change by making fuels more eco-friendly. "It's a very exciting industry to work in, based on the common goal of improving our daily lives and ensuring a sustainable future for the next generations."

Linda also sees great value in the ORTSA business directory. She encourages other businesses to join, envisioning a digital platform where businesses can create an ecosystem of mutual support and collaboration. “Imagine if we were all on one platform, creating a sustainable South African economy without relying on foreign exchange,” she suggests. For customers, the directory offers a comprehensive resource to find and compare products and services, ensuring informed decisions.

"Whether you are a customer or a business, the ORTbiz Directory is where you need to be. We are stronger as part of a community, creating a powerful platform that works together rather than competing in isolation. Check out the ORTbiz Directory and see how it can work for you!"

Linda Hadebe’s journey with PELZ Holdings has persisted to prove, innovation, and the power of community. As she continues to break barriers in the oil and gas sector. May her story inspire many aspiring entrepreneurs and highlight the importance of building sustainable, collaborative business ecosystems.

The primary objective of The ORT SA AEDF programmes are to empower youth by enhancing their employability and fostering entrepreneurial spirit, as well as to support small businesses within communities surrounding Astron Energy facilities and those of their clients. By upskilling youth, we aim to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment. Additionally, we are committed to promoting entrepreneurship amongst unemployed youth, encouraging and supporting them in starting and growing their own businesses. Through comprehensive training, mentoring, and making resources like the ORTbiz Directory accessible, we strive to support small businesses, driving economic growth and sustainability in these communities.

To make use of the ORTbiz Directory visit https://ortsabizdirectory.co.za

To learn more about Pelz Holding contact Linda Hadebe on 071?258 4705 or [email protected] or https://ortsabizdirectory.co.za/businesses/pelsz-holdings/