Hantie Plomp

Hantie Plomp, the founder and managing director of Triplo4 Sustainable Solutions, established her company in October 2011. She explained, “We specialise in solving environmental challenges and assisting businesses and communities to improve environmental performance in a sustainable way.” Hantie detailed further: “When faced with a client’s challenge or objective to improve their environmental performance, we strive to find a balanced solution between the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the project or business.” Hantie added that the company’s services relate to water, waste, air quality, biodiversity management, sustainability reporting, and management systems, as well as compliance matters.

Hantie shared, “I grew up in a small mining community in North West. I was in a boarding school in Potchefstroom for high school and went on to the University of Pretoria, where I completed a degree in human physiology and microbiology.” Reflecting on her early work experience, she said, “During the holidays, I worked at the local mine’s chemical laboratory, where analyses on water, gold, and uranium were conducted. On completion of my degree, I worked at the laboratory and obtained a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry.”

However, Hantie soon discovered that routine work was not her calling. “I was really grateful when I was transferred to the mine’s environmental department. Within two weeks, I realised that I had found my passion and calling in life,” she recalled. Her passion led her to complete a master’s degree while working, and after more than 30 years in the field, she still loves her work.

“As a child, I was loved and cared for, and I had a few daydreams,” Hantie reminisced. “I dreamt of staying by the sea, and I was born with a caring nature. I also wanted my own business someday.” She explained how these dreams came together. “Triplo4 is the realisation of my love for the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, my love for environmental management and sustainability, and my care for the environment, business, and people.”

“Everything I have learned and experienced, the good and the bad, the challenges and victories as well as my relationship with God have all played a role in bringing me to where I am today,” Hantie reflected. She emphasised the importance of continuous learning, hard work, and building a strong team and relationships with stakeholders. “It really takes communities and consistent attention to your current situation and desired position throughout one’s lifetime to take you to where you are today and wish to be tomorrow.”

Innovative Solutions
“I strongly believe that my love for people and entrepreneurship developed due to my parents’ diligent and ethical approach to life and my early childhood exposure to entrepreneurship,” Hantie shared. She said she sees today’s environmental challenges as an opportunity for innovative solutions and remains deeply passionate about her work.

“My responsibility is to ensure the development of strategy, establishment and maintenance of a competent team, and the implementation of all processes and systems,” Hantie explained. She highlighted the importance of creating a company culture based on quality, respect, and excellence. “We measure our impact on the feedback we receive, such as ‘Triplo4 has an aptitude for problem-solving and innovative solutions’ and ‘Amazing service - You were awesome’.”

Hantie takes pride in the company’s commitment to empowerment and transformation. Triplo4 is 100% women-owned, with 53% black and youth shareholding, and is certified as a Level 1 B-BBEE company. Over the years, the company has employed more than 36 interns, primarily women, preparing them for careers in environmental management. “We have also been ISO 14001 and 9001 certified for environmental management and quality for over seven years,” she added. In terms of awards, Hantie mentioned winning the National Business Awards – Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019 and the 2021 Standard Bank Top Women Award for biodiversity, conservation, and environmental management.

Triplo4’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the company’s operations. “We financially support NGOs

that ensure environmental, wildlife, and animal care, such as SANCCOB, CROW, and the SPCA,” Hantie ex plained. She also mentioned the company’s community contributions, including an e-waste initiative with Hirsch’s stores.

Hantie recalled how environmental management was once seen as “bunny hugging” and misunderstood. Although progress has been made, there remains friction between business needs and environmental protection. “The only way is to find integrated, project-specific solutions that are time and cost-sensitive while ensuring long-term sustainability,” she asserted.

From a business perspective, the last six years have been challenging, with company structure changes, Covid-19, riots, and labour turnover. “We overcame the challenges with tenacity, a positive outlook, and a solutions-based approach,” she said, adding that the company became 100% women-owned and opened a new office in Pietermaritzburg during this time. “All things are possible with God, who gives wisdom and strength.”

Hantie offered this advice to young women: “Once you have done your due diligence, believe in yourself. Do not consent to limiting views or self-entitlement attitudes and give your chosen goal your full commitment.” She encouraged young women not to give up when challenges arise, adding, “A positive mindset, a tenacious belief that you can do it, and persistent efforts supported with good knowledge, judgement, and ethics should result in good outcomes.”

“I am still living my dream, which is still unfolding,” Hantie shared. Her long-term goals include expanding Triplo4’s footprint nationally and internationally, establishing seven national offices, and eventually listing the company on the JSE. “All successful large businesses started with an idea that was cultivated and nurtured to greatness,” she noted.

Hantie values her time with her husband, with whom she has shared a 37-year marriage. “We talk daily about anything and everything. He makes me laugh and appreciates how blessed we are,” she said. She also enjoys building puzzles, reading on natural healing and leadership and growing her relationship with the Lord.