A Limpopo-based producer of cleaning products is on an ambitious mission to bridge the gap between affordability and quality in a market dominated by established international brands.
Saddled by the lack of job opportunities, budding entrepreneur Lebogang Moloto became a reseller of established multinational cleaning brand products in 2021.
While selling these in Polokwane and its surroundings, she was taken aback by the lack of affordable quality cleaning products. And with that, The Real Makoya Cleaning Chemicals was born. Located in the village of Moletjie, in Ga-Rampuru, the bu
siness specialises in the manufacturing of soaps, cleaning detergents, liquid dishwashers and bubble bath products.
The 35-year-old Bcom honours graduate is also in the process of introducing a fabric softener to her range of products.
Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele, Moloto said:
“I noticed that most of my competitors focused on product costs but neglected the quality of the product altogether. It becomes difficult for them to compete with multinational brands. I am focusing on affordability and quality,” she said.
Last year, The Real Makoya Cleaning Chemicals was accommodated on the shelves of five Spar stores in Polokwane. Until then, she had relied on marketing the product on social media platforms, at markets and through word of mouth.
Currently, the business is focusing on Polokwane and the rest of Limpopo but the ultimate plan is to gradually venture into other parts of the country.
To fund the business, the entrepreneur was forced to dip into savings she had built up from previous contractual employment.
R50 000 funding from the National Youth Development Agency came as much-needed impetus. The seed capital included entrepreneurial training.
“I went through the processes, did the pitching and they approved our application,” she said.
With the funds, The Real Makoya Cleaning Chemicalswas able to purchase adequate manufacturing machinery and raw materials.
In May, the three-staff start-up walked away with a R50 000 cash prize during a Township Entrepreneurship Alliance (TEA) workshop in Turfloop. TEA, an initiative of the NYDA and Nedbank, regularly hosts workshops and pitching competitions across the country.
The winnings, she said, would be invested in a business mentorship and coaching programme and additional equipment, as she believes The Real Makoya Cleaning Chemicals needs extensive guidance from experts.
Consumers can also order The Real Makoya Cleaning Chemicals by using the following number 079 763 0964
For more information about the NYDA call 0800 58 58 58 or visit www.nyda.gov.za
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