Rothe Plantscapers may have started under modest circumstances, but their rise should be seen as an inspirational story of dedication to their craft and care for their clients.
The story of Rothe Plantscapers is one rooted in starting from the bottom and rising to the very top.
With an investment of just R600 from its founders in 2010, Rothe Plantscapers has grown substantially year-on-year from a Johannesburg-based start-up into one of South Africa’s leading facilities management entities.
Now armed with a national footprint and a meaningful motto of ‘Rooted in Care’, the core focus areas of the entity include landscape installation and maintenance, pest control, waste management, corporate cleaning, and hygiene services.
These services are all delivered with a level of excellence, consistency, and care which continues to assist in building their reputation within the industry.
Lerato Mahlophe, the Business Manager of Rothe Plantscapers, believes their track record speaks for itself, especially when it comes to the non-negotiable stance of the company on quality, reliability, and long-term value.
“We recognise that a company’s facilities are among its most significant investments. Our approach is therefore rooted in the philosophy that ‘we are here to look after your investment’. This mindset drives our commitment to delivering quality, reliability, and long-term value to every client partnership,” Mahlophe explains.
“Our guiding principle, ‘Rooted in Care’, serves as the foundation of our strategy and day-to-day operations. It reflects our belief in nurturing relationships with clients, employees, and the environment, and informs every decision we make to ensure sustainable growth and service excellence.”
The highs and lows of the industry
The year 2025 has been an especially strong one for Rothe Plantscapers, with the onboarding of the University of Pretoria as a client a major achievement for all involved.
The relationship will see the entity taking on the management of the university’s sports facilities, which is a huge undertaking when you consider the sheer size of the sports programme at the Gauteng-based institution of learning.
“This partnership represents a milestone achievement and reinforces our ability to deliver at a high institutional level. It also positions us for further growth and excellence as we strive to maintain and even enhance the quality of their sports fields going forward,” Mahlophe says.
While this is a major achievement, the reality is that things are not always easy within the space that Rothe Plantscapers operates.
The industry is highly labour-intensive, which means that it requires robust systems, strong leadership, and efficient workforce management. These facets can lead to challenges.
“We mitigate these challenges through comprehensive operational controls, staff training, and a culture of accountability, ensuring that productivity and service quality remain consistent across all sites,” Mahlophe explains.
Transformation and CSR initiatives
Rothe Plantscapers is a 100% black-owned and managed company that has successfully entered and excelled in an industry historically dominated by non-black ownership.
As a result, they have championed transformation not only within their internal structure, but also through their client base, with 90% of their clients in the private sector.
Mahlophe believes that “this demonstrates our commitment to broad-based economic empowerment and to breaking stereotypes by delivering excellence and professionalism that transcends prejudice”.
This commitment extends to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Rothe Plantscapers is determined to improve the quality of life of all stakeholders by contributing towards their financial growth, independence, and freedom, all while empowering them to aim for a brighter future.
“Investing in communities within which we operate is an increasingly important objective to Rothe Plantscapers. We are committed to the principles of socio-economic upliftment of the marginalised and previously disadvantaged within South Africa,” the company’s official website reads.
Looking ahead and a message to clients
According to Mahlophe, Rothe Plantscapers’ primary goal for 2026 is to expand their operations into additional provinces and strengthen their national footprint further. They currently operate in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the North West Province, and the Eastern Cape.
Mahlophe is confident that this growth is achievable, as it will be supported by the entity’s proven performance, ability to create strong client relationships, and a committed team of staff members. A triple threat worth shouting about.
“This expansion will not only enhance our market position but also contribute to job creation and industry transformation, which are both very important to us,” Mahlophe insists.
In closing, Mahlophe had messages for Rothe Plantscapers’ current clients, potential clients, and the industry at large as we approach 2026 and move forward into what is expected to be a prosperous future.
“To our valued clients, we extend our sincere gratitude for your continued trust and partnership throughout 2025. We look forward to building on our shared success in 2026 and beyond.
“To potential clients, we invite you to experience the Rothe difference. Guided by our motto of ‘Rooted in Care’, we are committed to providing exceptional service and dedicated stewardship of your facilities—your organisation’s most valuable assets.
“To our industry peers, we acknowledge the evolving business landscape shaped by the pandemic and ongoing innovation. At Rothe, we are dedicated to driving growth, resilience, and excellence within the facilities management sector. Here’s to a prosperous 2026 and beyond,” Mahlophe concludes.
And we look forward to seeing even more growth in 2026 and beyond.
The beliefs of Rothe Plantscapers
Ethical business practices
Quality, monitored management systems
Sustainable customer relations
Continuous reliability and speed
World class quality standards
Our wealth creates national health
