Building a successful business is one achievement. Building one that creates opportunities for hundreds of people is another.
For entrepreneur Cindy Ramokoto, success has never been measured solely by the number of fuel stations she owns. Instead, it is reflected in the careers she helps build, the jobs she creates and the confidence to grow in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Her latest milestone comes with the relaunch of bp Thorntree in Soshanguve, following upgrades designed to enhance the customer experience while supporting the long-term growth of her expanding fuel retail business.
A Refreshed Destination for Customers
The relaunch of bp Thorntree follows recent improvements to the site, including a refreshed forecourt and a modernised Pick n Pay Express.
The upgrades are aimed at creating a more convenient and welcoming experience for customers while strengthening the site’s position for continued business growth.
According to Nokwanda Khumalo, General Manager for Mobility & Convenience at bp Southern Africa, the investment reflects bp’s continued commitment to supporting both customers and entrepreneurs.
“The refreshed forecourt and enhanced Pick n Pay Express environment reflect our continued investment in strengthening our retail network while enabling entrepreneurs like Cindy Ramokoto to grow sustainable businesses and deliver an improved customer experience.”
A Journey That Began in the Corporate World
Before entering fuel retail, Ramokoto built a successful corporate career as a Chartered Accountant, eventually becoming a partner at one of South Africa’s Big Five firms.
Despite the security of corporate life, she made the bold decision to pursue entrepreneurship.
She joined her late brother, who operated a fuel retail business, before taking the leap into ownership herself.
Today, Ramokoto owns both bp Ridge Oasis in KwaZulu-Natal and bp Thorntree in Soshanguve, steadily expanding her presence within South Africa’s fuel retail sector.
Investing in Opportunity
Ramokoto acknowledges that her financial background helped make her entrepreneurial journey possible.
Having built personal savings during her corporate career, she was able to afford the deposit needed to purchase her first fuel station—an opportunity she believes is still out of reach for many women.
While she says the industry is making progress in creating more ownership opportunities for women, she believes there is still room for greater support.
“While the industry is making progress in opening up ownership in fuel retailing, with a clear focus on bringing in more women, more can be done to support capable South African women who lack access to financial resources.”
Growing Through Financial Discipline
Ramokoto credits careful financial management as one of the foundations of her success.
Rather than treating business profits as personal income, she focused on reinvesting earnings from her first fuel station to acquire a second.
Her accounting background continues to shape the way she manages her businesses.
“You have to be very strict with yourself and understand that the funds in the business are not yours, they belong to the business. If you don’t, you will quickly find yourself in the red. I earn a salary every month and, like everyone else, I have to wait for payday.”
Her disciplined approach to cash flow has allowed her business to grow steadily while maintaining long-term sustainability.
Creating Jobs Beyond the Fuel Pumps
Today, Ramokoto employs around 200 people across her operations.
For her, business growth is measured not only by expansion but by the opportunities created for others.
She takes particular pride in seeing employees develop professionally, with many members of her management team beginning their careers as petrol attendants before progressing into leadership roles.
Her long-term ambition is equally ambitious.
Ramokoto hopes to grow her portfolio to ten fuel stations, creating even more employment opportunities along the way.
Leading with Purpose
Beyond business, Ramokoto is also a trained chaplain and trauma counsellor at her local church.
Helping people remains one of the driving forces behind both her personal and professional life, and she says watching employees realise their potential is among the most rewarding aspects of entrepreneurship.
She also credits bp South Africa’s support, together with continued investment in modern retail and convenience offerings, for helping her grow her businesses with confidence and position them for future success.
Building More Than a Business
The story of Cindy Ramokoto is about more than fuel retail.
It is a story of calculated risk, disciplined financial management and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
As bp Thorntree enters its next chapter with an upgraded customer experience, Ramokoto continues building something far greater than a network of service stations.
She is building a business that empowers people, supports communities and demonstrates how entrepreneurship can become a catalyst for lasting economic opportunity.
