By Karabo Siyoko
Picture Supplied
Thapelo Motsage, the founder of Lethabo Hygiene Products (LHP) detergents located in Galeshewe’s small business hub, reckons patience, perseverance and having a mentor have served his enterprise well over the years.
Motsage, a father of four children, has accumulated extensive work experience from various organisations.
The thought of dipping into the health and detergent market occurred to him in 2011, when he was working for Sun International, in Kimberley.
“It happened that we needed cleaning products at home. I went to the shop to buy a few items. That is where the interest started as I walked into this shop. I envisioned myself in this space and how to provide a better service”, narrated Motsage.
With his entrepreneurial mind set, Motsage negotiated with the store manager to be his supplier and that is how LHP was established. He took stock from the store and began selling around Galeshewe.
After building a clientele, he decided to manufacture his own cleaning products. He attended classes to learn more about chemicals and to acquire knowledge before producing his own products.
Thereafter he sent a few samples to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
In 2014 LHP proudly obtained the SABS stamp of approval, certifying LHP products to be safe.
After accreditation, he started working from home and sold his products within the community.
LHP grew and acquired cleaning jobs from institutions such as Phatsimang College, Pick n Pay store, Toyota, Volkswagen and the Office of the Public Service Commission, to mention a few.
LHP manufactures disinfecting and cleaning products for office and domestic use. Its core products are pine gel, dishwashing liquid, bleach, hand soap, hand cream and air freshener.
Motsage is working towards having LHP pine gel to be sold on commercial store shelves.
His advice to those who want to own businesses is, “have passion, be willing to get things done, have a vision for your business and seek a mentor for guidance”.
The LHP product manufacturing business is at the corner of Tyala and Hulana streets in Galeshewe.
Comments are closed.