How Thabaletsi makes granite tombstones at the Nkowankowa factory
At Thabaletsi’s factory and head office in Nkowankowa, granite tombstones are made in-house — from the quarry block to the finished stone. We select the best blocks, cut them on our wire saw, polish and shape each piece, etch portraits with a diamond-tip etcher, and sandblast the wording. Established in 1997. When you are ready, WhatsApp 082 883 9400, call 015 304 3303, or visit a live shop for samples and sales.
Visit our Nkowankowa factory
Thabaletsi and Meraki (Pty) Ltd trading as Thabaletsi Tombstones manufactures granite memorials at:
177 LEDA Industrial Area 2, Nkowankowa
This is the factory and head office. Cutting, polishing, edging, photo etching, sandblasted lettering, and finishing happen here. Our other live shops are for samples and sales — you can start an order at a branch, but the stone itself is made in Nkowankowa.
Factory / head office hours
- Monday–Friday: 07:00–16:30
- Saturday: 08:00–13:00
- Sunday: closed
(Other live shops: Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00; all shops Saturday 08:00–13:00.)
Contact (HO / factory)
- Phone: 015 304 3303
- WhatsApp: 082 883 9400
- Email: hello@thabaletsi.co.za
If you prefer to view samples closer to home first, start at a live showroom — then know that manufacture still sits on this floor. For local NAP and directions, see our Nkowankowa factory page.
From block to stone — how we manufacture
Many monument sellers start with ready-cut slabs. Thabaletsi buys the raw granite block. Competitors typically buy slabs — and some competitors also buy slabs from us. That is the calm difference we want families to understand: the stone’s journey begins with selecting the block, not only finishing someone else’s slab.
Typical path on the Nkowankowa floor (all in-house):
- Quarry blocks — we choose the best blocks. Heavy loads arrive by superlink (about 34 ton capacity on those trucks). Tombstone work commonly uses blocks in the 8–14 ton range; our plant can handle blocks up to about 22 ton.
- Wire saw — the block is cut into slabs. The same wire-saw capability also supports 30 mm kitchen tops (kitchen work is quoted through our sister brand Meraki Granite; tombstones stay with Thabaletsi).
- Slabs — prepared for the design you approved on the proof drawing.
- Machine polish — first polish pass for a clean, even face.
- Smaller saws — shaping to the monument design.
- Hand polish careful finishing by hand where the stone needs it.
- Diamond-tip etcher — for portrait photos (see next section).
- Sandblasted wording names, dates, and the message you approved.
After the proof is approved, manufacture typically takes about 21 working days. Lay-bye is available. Browse designs in the shop, or ask any live branch to start the conversation.
We do not invent awards, cemetery partnerships, or same-day promises here. The stone is custom work, made with care.
Etching and lettering
Portraits are made with a diamond-tip etcher on the headstone process:
- Rustenburg black / Zimbabwe black — the portrait is etched on the stone.
- Coloured granite (brown, white, and other colours) — the portrait is etched on a black tile, then the tile is fixed to the stone.
Wording is sandblasted from the approved proof — so spelling, dates, and wording should be checked carefully before you approve.
For sculpture or custom carving questions, please contact your branch or sales team — that is the correct, respectful channel.
What happens at the branches
Only the Nkowankowa factory manufactures.
Live shops are there so families can:
- View samples and discuss designs calmly
- Speak with sales and start an order
- Use the branch WhatsApp / phone for that shop (HO WhatsApp 082 883 9400 is correct for the factory / Nkowankowa)
Live shops (samples + sales):
- Nkowankowa — Factory + head office + factory shop
- Tzaneen (Stasie Road) — Samples + sales
- Namakgale / Phalaborwa — Samples + sales
- Polokwane — Samples + sales
- Acornhoek — Samples + sales
- Metz Samples + sales
Wherever you start, the granite work described on this page is done at 177 LEDA Industrial Area 2, Nkowankowa.
How to start — WhatsApp or shop
When you feel ready — there is no rush in this copy — you can:
- WhatsApp the factory / HO on 082 883 9400, or email hello@thabaletsi.co.za
- Call HO on 015 304 3303 during factory hours
- Visit the Nkowankowa factory shop, or any live branch for samples and sales
- Browse the tombstone shop online
If you are ordering from afar, our calm 10-step remote order guide walks through catalogue, quote, and lay-bye options. For current catalogue ranges, see best tombstone prices in Limpopo.
We are here to help you honour someone you love — with clear steps, honest process, and affordable options across our designs.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Thabaletsi granite tombstones made?
At our factory and head office at 177 LEDA Industrial Area 2, Nkowankowa. Cutting, polishing, photo etching, sandblasted wording, and finishing are done in-house here. Live shops in Tzaneen, Polokwane, Namakgale/Phalaborwa, Acornhoek, and Metz are for samples and sales.
Do you start from slabs or from the raw granite block?
We buy the raw quarry block — selecting the best blocks — then cut slabs on our wire saw. Competitors typically buy slabs, and some competitors also buy slabs from us. Starting from the block is how we control the stone from the beginning.
How are portrait photos and wording put on the stone?
Portraits use a diamond-tip etcher. On Rustenburg black or Zimbabwe black, we etch on the stone. On coloured granite, we etch a black tile and fix it to the stone. Wording is sandblasted from your approved proof.
How long does manufacture take, and is lay-bye available?
About 21 working days after the proof is approved. Lay-bye is available. Ask the factory or any live branch for the steps that fit your family.
Who do I contact about sculpture or custom carving?
Please contact your branch or sales team. Sales will help you with designs and next steps — that is the correct, respectful channel.