Mokoena has set his eyes on success and growing his soap making company

Simangaliso Mokoena had an epiphany that allowed him to bridge a gap in his society as well as make a reputation for himself.

He established a business in 2022 that makes detergent soap, which is used to wash clothing and dishes.

The 20-year-old Mokoena founded his innovative company, Isimangaliso Pure Soap, at an early age by combining his strong sense of community values and entrepreneurial energy.

Mokoena was born and raised in Mhluzi, in Middleburg, Mpumalanga.

He learned the value of perseverance and hard work from his humble upbringing, values that would later influence his entrepreneurial path, he told Vuk’uzenzele.

With his grandmother’s assistance, Mokoena launched his business while he was still a learner in high school.

“After learning from her how to create bar soaps from scratch, I was able to use my imagination to make gel and grated soap for people who use washing machines as well”, he said.

The Mpumalanga businessman has applied for funding assistance from the National Youth Development Agency, even though he has funded the venture out of his savings.

“I tried to persuade people that the product works wonders in keeping your clothes white and clean by running the streets of Mhluzi while wearing my white T-shirt, since it was difficult for them to believe,” Mokoena said.

He continued by saying that starting a business is difficult, particularly for a young Black individual.

Mokoena clarified, “People typically don’t believe in your product; instead, they would prefer to support established brands over you.”

He was unfazed and continued to have faith in the procedure.

Today, Isimangaliso Pure Soap, as young as it is, employs two people.

“I merely deliver my product to customers who place orders; it’s not available in stores. Perhaps in the near future, stores will also carry Isimangaliso Pure Soap,” Mokoena said.

He complimented his grandmother and said that, after teaching him the trade, she had been his greatest ally.

“I envision myself owning a large soap manufacturing company in the future.”

Mokoena stated that, given the high unemployment rate in his neighbourhood, he also hopes to create more job opportunities.

He can be contacted on 064 993 5886 or through his Facebook page, Simangaliso Pure Soap, for additional information about Isimangaliso Pure Soap.

Editor’s note: A young man from Mpumalanga came up with an idea, that saw him creating not just a name for himself but he filled a gap that existed within his community – a soap manufacturing business which has so far employed two people.

Description: Simangaliso Mokoena founded a business producing laundry and dishwashing detergent soap, which he distributes in his area.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu