MBG FAQ

General MBG Questions

Can I collect products myself from the depot?
Yes. Customers are welcome to collect both bricks and tanks directly from our depot. We have loading facilities on-site to assist with collections, and our team will make sure your vehicle is loaded safely and efficiently. To help us prepare your order in advance, we kindly ask that you arrange your collection time beforehand.
Are your products SABS approved?
Yes. At MBG we take compliance and quality very seriously, which is why all our products meet recognised industry standards. While our operations are based in South Africa, our products are also manufactured under the same stringent standards applied by our parent company in Botswana, where they are BOBS-approved (Botswana Bureau of Standards). BOBS approval is recognised as equivalent to, and in many cases more rigorous than, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements. What this means in practice is that every brick and water tank we supply has been tested for durability, safety, and long-term performance. Whatever your usage, you can be confident that they meet the highest levels of compliance in the region.
What are your depot trading hours and trading days?
Our depot is open Monday to Friday, 07:30–16:30, and Saturdays, 08:00–13:00. If you’d like to confirm stock or arrange a collection time, please phone our depot manager, Cheryl Van Der Walt, on +27 66 243 6512. During peak periods or around public holidays, a quick call ahead helps us serve you faster.
Can I visit the depot if I’m not sure what I need?
Yes, walk-ins are always welcome. If you’re uncertain about which product is right for your project, our team of experts will gladly guide you. At the depot you can physically inspect our full range of bricks and tanks, compare sizes, and get practical advice on the most suitable options for your needs. Having the chance to see the products in person often makes decision-making much easier, and our staff are here to answer questions and help you make an informed choice.
Do you deliver nationwide across South Africa or only within Gauteng?
Our primary delivery network covers Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, where we can arrange especially quick turnaround times. However, we also deliver nationwide across South Africa, with a range of transport options available depending on the size and location of your order. If you are based outside South Africa, deliveries throughout the SADC region particularly Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, are managed by our parent company, Makoro Botswana. For more details on regional logistics, please visit their website at https://makoro.co.bw/.
What is the typical lead time for delivery once I place an order?
Standard deliveries usually take 7 to 10 working days, depending on the size of your order and where it needs to go. Smaller or local deliveries can often be arranged sooner, while larger bulk orders or long-distance transport may take a little longer. Our logistics team will confirm the expected timeframe when your order is placed and keep you updated so you know exactly when to expect your delivery.
Do you provide offloading services on site, or must I arrange my own equipment?
Yes, we offer truck-mounted crane offloading with our deliveries, which covers most standard site requirements. If your project has special conditions, such as restricted access, unusual ground surfaces, or the need for specialised lifting equipment - we may ask that you arrange the necessary machinery. Our team will discuss your site setup with you when planning the delivery to ensure everything runs smoothly.
How do I find my nearest Makoro Brick Gauteng agent or product specialist?
The easiest way is to contact our depot directly, and we will put you in touch with the agent or product specialist closest to your area. Our regional representatives are familiar with local projects and can provide personalised advice, assist with quotes and guide you on the best product options for your needs.
Can I speak to a Makoro Brick Gauteng representative before placing an order?
Absolutely. We encourage customers to chat with one of our product specialists before finalising an order. Our team can walk you through product options, explain differences between ranges, and answer any technical questions you may have. Speaking to a representative upfront ensures you get the right product for your project and helps make the ordering process quicker and more accurate.
Do you provide brick samples to architects, builders, and project managers?
Yes, we can provide brick samples on request. Samples are a great way to see the colour, texture, and finish up close before making a final decision. We regularly assist architects, builders, and project managers with sample sets to support design approvals, client presentations, and on-site planning. Simply contact our depot or your regional representative to arrange the samples you need.
Do you provide technical documentation or specifications for tenders or project submissions?
Yes. We supply full technical documentation, certifications, and product specifications to support tender applications and project submissions. For quick access, please visit the Bricks and Tanks pages on our website, where you will find detailed product information. You can also consult the Technical tab, which includes quality certificates, compliance information, and details of our membership with recognised professional bodies.
What payment methods are accepted at Makoro Brick Gauteng?
We accept both EFT payments and debit or credit cards for orders placed through our depot. EFT is often the preferred option for larger project purchases, while card payments provide quick and convenient settlement for smaller orders or walk-in collections.
Do you require a deposit for large orders?
Yes. For large-scale or special orders, we may request a deposit to secure the order and reserve stock. This ensures smooth scheduling, especially when products need to be allocated in advance or prepared for delivery over longer distances.
Can I pay on account if I am a contractor or a developer?
Yes. Account facilities are available to approved contractors and developers. Applications are subject to a standard credit approval process, and once approved, you can enjoy the convenience of purchasing on account with agreed payment terms. Our team will guide you through the application, outline the requirements, and help you set up an account that suits your project needs.

Brick Product Questions

Why don’t all face bricks look exactly the same in colour?
Slight differences in colour are a normal outcome of the clay firing process. Factors like kiln temperature, airflow, and oxygen levels can all influence the final tone of each batch. Even small variations in how the heat circulates can create warmer or cooler shades, while natural streaks in the clay blend may add further patterns. These shifts are not flaws but part of what gives face bricks their distinctive, earthy appeal.
Are bricks supplied per pallet or per thousand?
Bricks are supplied in pallet quantities for easier loading and delivery. A pallet usually holds 500 face bricks, carefully stacked and wrapped for stability in transport. While quotes can be shown at a per-thousand rate, actual supply and deliveries are always made per pallet.
How many face bricks are required per square metre?
For standard-size face bricks, the guideline is around 54 bricks per square metre of wall surface. This figure allows for standard mortar joints and applies to single-brick walls. The number can change for cavity walls, double-skin construction, or non-standard brick sizes, so it’s best to keep a small margin for cutting and breakages. To make this even easier, our website includes a built-in brick calculator where you can enter details like wall height and width, single or double wall type, and even your chosen breakage percentage. The tool will then give you an accurate estimate of how many bricks you’ll need for your wall. For larger or more complex projects, we recommend consulting a qualified Quantity Surveyor to ensure absolute accuracy.
Can you help me work out how many bricks I’ll need for my project?
Yes. Our team can assist with estimating brick quantities by considering wall dimensions, bond patterns, and structural design, along with allowances for mortar joints and a small percentage for breakages. We also have a brick calculator available on our website for quick estimates. For more complex builds, it’s always advisable to have final quantities confirmed by your contractor or a qualified Quantity Surveyor.
Are your bricks kept in stock, or are they made to order?
We keep our standard face bricks in stock at the depot, ready for dispatch. This means most orders can be fulfilled quickly, with typical delivery lead times of around 7 to 10 working days, depending on order size and location. For peak demand periods or specialised product ranges, slightly longer lead times may apply, but our goal is always to keep core products readily available for fast turnaround.
What’s the process for placing an order or requesting a quote?
You can request a quote or place an order by completing the online request form, or by contacting our sales team via phone or email. Our staff will confirm product availability, help with transport planning, and guide you through the process. You’re also welcome to visit the factory directly or meet with one of our regional representatives if you prefer in-person assistance.
Do you have a minimum order requirement?
No, we don’t set a strict minimum, and we cater to projects of every scale. Whether you only need a few sample bricks for architectural design, a modest quantity for small residential work, or hundreds of thousands of units for major institutional projects, we cover the full range. For cost efficiency, a full truckload is usually the best option, as it reduces delivery costs per brick. Our sales team can guide you on the most practical and economical quantity based on your location and project requirements.
How do I place an order or request a quote?
The quickest way is to use the Obtain a Quote tab on our website, which is available on every page. There you’ll find a simple, comprehensive form that takes only a few minutes to complete. Once submitted, one of our team members will contact you directly by phone to confirm details and finalise your quote as quickly as possible. You are also welcome to reach out via phone or email or visit the depot if you prefer face-to-face assistance.

Tank Product Questions

What range of water tank sizes are available?
We provide water tanks in a variety of sizes, starting with 210-litre units that work well for smaller households and going right up to 15,000-litre tanks that can handle the demands of farms, businesses, and larger homes. Whether you need a solution for emergency storage, garden irrigation, or dependable long-term supply, you will find a tank that fits both your space and your needs.
What materials are used to make your tanks?
Our tanks are produced from premium rotationally moulded LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) and use only virgin material when intended for drinking water. This gives them excellent strength, flexibility over time, and resistance to environmental stress. The material is also UV-stabilised and food-grade certified, making the tanks well-suited for everything from household water storage to drinking water applications.
Can these tanks be used for drinking water?
Yes. Tanks designed for drinking water are made from food-grade, BPA-free virgin polyethylene that meets the required safety standards. This keeps your water clean and safe for everyday household use, including cooking and drinking, as long as the tank is properly installed and maintained. Makoro is also registered with ARMSA and AGREMENT, and all products are manufactured in line with recognised quality and safety standards.
Are the tanks UV-protected and built for outdoor conditions?
Yes. Every tank is UV-stabilised and designed to withstand extended exposure to sunlight. The material resists fading and damage from ultraviolet rays, so the tanks keep their colour, durability, and structure even in tough weather. This makes them a reliable choice for outdoor use in residential, agricultural, and rural settings.
Do the tanks include a warranty?
Yes. Every water tank comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, provided that installation follows our published guidelines. The warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship, but please note that misuse or poor installation may result in the warranty being voided.
Are these tanks suitable for rainwater harvesting?
Yes. Our tanks work perfectly in rainwater harvesting setups and can connect to both rooftop collection systems and freestanding catchment systems. When fitted with proper filters and first-flush devices, the tanks will safely store water for irrigation, household cleaning, and even certain domestic uses.
Can these tanks store liquids other than water?
Yes. We produce tanks for a range of storage needs, including greywater, farming liquids, and specific chemicals. The right choice depends on the liquid’s composition and weight, as standard tanks handle water and greywater while heavier or corrosive substances may need a more specialised design or a Heavy Duty version of our tanks. If you plan to store anything other than water, please reach out so we can advise on the correct tank option.
How regularly should a water tank be cleaned?
Cleaning needs vary depending on what the tank holds, how often it is used, and the surrounding environment. For drinking water, more frequent cleaning is advised. If the tank holds still or stored water, cycling the water helps prevent sediment buildup. Rainwater systems should also include routine upkeep of filters, gutters, and other collection components.
Will algae develop inside the tank over time?
No. Our tanks include a black inner lining that blocks UV light, which prevents algae from forming. To keep the risk even lower, make sure the tank stays sealed and that no light can enter through inlets or open ports.