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eNtrepreNeUrs
toilet paper ShortaGe createS
buSineSS opportunitY For YounG
entrepreneur
Delight Softies
Thabang Linkford Monyepao saw an opportunity in that there was
shortages in a basic commodity that is used daily and established a
manufacturing company to address the need.
please tell us about your business and your role in it?
Founded this year, Delight Softies manufactures toilet paper. As director,
my role is to make decisions and make sure that the company’s obligations
are fulfilled.
please take us through the journey of starting your own business.
When I was studying aircraft structures at Denel Aeronautics, there was
a shortage of toilet paper and industrial garage rolls in the workshop. I
picked up on the opportunity and started conducting research on the
manufacture of these items. When I received my qualification, I started
making means to secure capital to start a manufacturing company and
even though it was not an easy task, I managed to achieve my goal.
who are your competitors and how do make sure you rise
above them?
Delight Softies is currently based in Polokwane, which is mostly dominated
by service providers, hence there is not much competition in this industry.
In addition, our affordable prices, the quality of our paper and turnaround
delivery time, ensure that we rise above our competitors.
how do you motivate your staff and enable them to see your vision?
The people I work with have been around since the business was only just
an idea. Now everything works in my favour because they understand
the idea of small beginnings and seeing the bigger picture in everything.
what is your key to success?
I personally think that perseverance and faith are key to success. Also, you
need to understand the importance of your journey because we face
obstacles that will often put you down but you have to keep going and
have faith in your journey; the dots will add up one day.
how many people you employ?
I currently employ three young people.
what advice do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs?
Think your idea through, do it and never look back because you grow
through experience.
what are your views about transformation and women’s
empowerment in South africa?
President Cyril Ramaphosa aptly puts it: “Women’s economic
empowerment is a prerequisite for sustainable development. When
women are empowered through education, employment and opportunity,
families are better fed, children are educated and the cycle of poverty
is broken.”
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www.transformsa.co.za
