Motorists in KuGompo City can now take advantage of a free brake check service aimed at improving road safety and vehicle performance, following the opening of Graaff Brakes East London.
Founder Dirk Graaff Snr said the complimentary service allowed drivers to have their braking systems professionally inspected at no cost, offering peace of mind before getting back on the road.
In addition to free inspections, the service centre offers on-car disc skimming, brake pad replacements, flywheel skimming, as well as brake shoe and drum services — making it a one-stop solution for essential brake maintenance.
Graaff told the Go! on Tuesday that the business began as a one-man operation in 2009 and had since grown into a family enterprise, eventually expanding into a national network by empowering entrepreneurs to establish and run their own branches.
“Reaching KuGompo as our first branch in the Eastern Cape is a proud milestone for us.
“It represents growth for the brand, but more importantly, opportunity,” said Graaff.
“We are excited that this expansion is not only about extending our footprint, but about building something meaningful in a new province through a strong local operator.”
He said KuGompo was identified as a strategic location for expansion.
“This area made sense for several reasons,” he said.
“It is an important city in the Eastern Cape, with a strong mix of private motorists, workshops, fleets and businesses that all need reliable brake services.
“When I spoke to Vuyisabantu Mxego [operations lead], it was clear this was not just a business idea to him. He understands the city and its people, and he is committed to building the branch with energy and purpose.”
Graaff said partnering with a local operator was key to ensuring both commercial success and community relevance.
“We were entering a province where we had no presence, so working with someone rooted in East London gave us confidence that the branch could grow sustainably.”
He emphasised that each branch was designed to have a practical impact on its community.
“One of the ways we do that is through free brake checks, helping motorists understand their vehicle condition before issues become dangerous or costly. It builds trust and supports informed decisions about safety,” he said.
“Beyond that, every branch creates job opportunities and skills development. We train our teams ourselves so they are properly equipped and can grow within the business.”
A standout feature of the business is its mobile service model, which allows technicians to perform brake disc skimming on-site at tyre shops, independent workshops and other motor businesses.
“That saves time for customers and helps workshops continue operating efficiently,” said Graaff. “It’s a model built around convenience and efficiency.”
Mxego said the response from the KuGompo community had been encouraging.
“People are responding well to the combination of professional service, convenience and affordability,” he said.
“There is a clear appreciation for having a specialised brake service available locally.
“Once customers experience the quality of our work, they are quick to spread the word.”
Mxego noted that one of the initial challenges had been building brand awareness and trust.
“People need to understand your offering and experience your professionalism first-hand. But once they do, the response has been positive,” he said.
He said there was strong growth potential in KuGompo and the broader province as more customers and partners became familiar with the business model.
Graaff stressed that modern customers were looking for reliability, speed and transparency.
“Brake work should not take all day if handled properly. Our goal is to deliver efficient service without compromising on quality or safety,” he said.
“Quality and trust are non-negotiable. We train our staff in-house and ensure every job meets our standards. Customers are placing their safety in our hands, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
Graaff said accountability was central to the company’s values.
“If something is not right, we address it openly and fix it properly,” said Graaff.
“We want the people of KuGompo to know that Graaff Brakes East London is here to offer honest, reliable and professional service they can trust.”
