About
Founded in South Africa and built to serve its landscapes, Rain Queen Reservoirs brings together tradition, innovation, and practical design.
Our Story
Founded in 2012, Rain Queen was established to design and manufacture high-quality rainwater harvesting tanks and garden beds for domestic use.
The company’s founder, Mark Berning, drew on international expertise after attending a corrugated steel tank-making course in Queensland, Australia. This foundation in precision engineering and design soon inspired a broader range of products — all crafted from curved corrugated steel, a material renowned for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal.
That same year, Themba Jijwa joined Rain Queen, bringing with him a deep knowledge of traditional tinsmithing, acquired during his years in Zimbabwe. His expertise in copper soldering using gas, tin/lead solder, and sal ammoniac blocks — along with his skills in metal shaping and hand-finishing techniques — perfectly complemented the company’s modern manufacturing methods.
The result was a unique fusion of artisanal skill and contemporary production, blending craftsmanship and innovation in a way that still defines Rain Queen’s approach today.
As demand for high-quality corrugated steel reservoirs grew throughout the Western Cape, Rain Queen expanded its operations to include the manufacture of reservoirs. Since then, the company has produced over 3,500 reservoirs of varying sizes across all three of our owner-managed branches.
Experience and Leadership
Rain Queen’s factories are owner-operated, ensuring hands-on involvement from directors who remain deeply invested in every aspect of production. This direct oversight safeguards quality, promotes efficiency, and ensures that every product reflects our core values: strength, reliability, and design excellence.
Our reservoirs are inspired by South Africa’s architectural and agricultural heritage — robust, functional, and designed to complement their environment.
Clients benefit from the accessibility and expertise of our leadership team, who are always available to provide guidance and support for all reservoir requirements.
Our Commitment
At Rain Queen, we are dedicated to building lasting partnerships with our customers, suppliers, and employees.
Our focus on quality workmanship, dependable service, and long-term customer satisfaction has resulted in a large proportion of repeat business from long-standing clients.
With over a decade of experience, Rain Queen continues to deliver products that embody engineering integrity, aesthetic appeal, and enduring performance — values that continue to shape every reservoir we build.
Why Choose Rain Queen
Multiple
factories
We operate from four branches — Johannesburg, Somerset West, Limpopo and Howick — allowing us to offer fast service and localised support.
In-house
installation teams
Our dedicated teams handle all installations, allowing us to maintain quality, respond quickly, and reassign teams when needed for urgent customer issues.
Nationwide
reach
Our strategic locations enable us to service most of South Africa with speed and efficiency, including remote and rural sites.
Made-to-order flexibility
All reservoirs are manufactured to order. We can often accommodate emergency orders, custom sizes, and urgent repair requests with quick turnaround.
Leadership
Mark Berning
Founder & Director
Mark began his career in farming in Colenso, KwaZulu-Natal, before spending 17 years running a successful farm supply business in Ladysmith. His entrepreneurial journey also included a sheepskin tannery, a product line of sheepskin goods, and even ownership of a local restaurant — each venture a testament to his hands-on, practical approach.
In 2012, Mark returned to his agricultural roots and established Rain Queen in the Western Cape, combining his craftsmanship, practical experience, and passion for sustainable solutions to build what Rain Queen is today.
“I am still excited by the challenges, opportunities and enjoyment that working with corrugated steel brings. I get great pleasure in seeing our reservoirs installed all over Southern Africa and from the long-term relationships we are building with customers.”
Graeme Hale
Director & Owner
Graeme Hale began his career in IT in 1994 before expanding into distribution and logistics in 2003. Prior to the establishment of the Johannesburg factory, Graeme managed deliveries in Johannesburg for Mark, with tanks and related products being sent from the Cape Town factory for him to distribute and sell.
In 2016, Graeme and Mark formalised their partnership, and Graeme established the Rain Queen factory in Johannesburg. His entrepreneurial drive and hands-on approach have played a key role in expanding Rain Queen’s national footprint and operational capacity.
“I’m an entrepreneur at heart. I love hearing customers tell us how much they value our products and appreciate what we do. I am also greatly excited by seeing people come to us with little or no experience and watching them develop into skilled, capable members of the Rain Queen team. We create opportunities, teach practical skills, and give people a real start in life.”
Our Philosophy
We aim to supply products that are robust, dependable and cost-effective — and that still look like they belong in the landscapes they serve. Our reservoirs are designed to be practical and beautiful, reflecting South African strength and ingenuity.
Meet the Teams
KZN
Bafana 2010
Patrick 2010
Kwanele 2023
Musa 2024
Nathi 2018
Sanele 2025
Johannesburg
Name 2010
Name 2010
Name 2010
Name 2010
Name 2010
