31 Jul 2018

The new kid on the block, Elite Club Processing Company is not deterred by competition from reputable brands who boast of iconic names and logos in the market.

The company located in Mochudi produces cleaning detergents such as dishwashing liquid, tyre cleaning bleach, hand soap, floor stripper and moderated cream.

It was founded by Mr Lempho Khumalo, Mr Tshenolo Thakadu, Mr Sibusiso Khumalo and Mr Tshepho Gaogangwe with the intention of increasing locally produced products.

Mr Khumalo, who is also the human resource manager of the company, said they saw a niche in the market after realising that most of the cleaning detergents sold in the country were imported.

He said their biggest achievement was the production of Elite dishwashing liquid which has been tested and approved by Botswana Bureau of Standards.  

The dishwashing liquid comes in different sizes of 750 ml, 5, 20 and 25 litres.

If BOBS tells you that your product satisfies the requirements, the feeling is unexplainable. It was the highlight of our journey,” he said.

Mr Khumalo said their wish was to grow Elite dishwashing liquid to a household name.

“The intention is to make Elite dishwashing liquid available to Batswana regardless of their location,” he said.

The company has benefitted from the Youth Development Fund with P449 000. Mr Khumalo said he had to quit his job in order to ensure that the company positioned itself well in the market.

They have taken to social media and newspapers to market their products.

“Our intention is to narrow that gap and produce something locally,” he said, adding that they started operations in 2017.

Amongst the four, Mr Thakadu is a chemical engineer whose skills are vital for product development.

He has the responsibility of coming up with the formulas which he mixes to produce the kind of detergent they want.

Mr Khumalo said business had grown in terms of sales and that they were happy that Elite Club Processing had created employment for five people.

“The company aims to grow and diversify the economy while creating employment for fellow Batswana,” he said.

While Elite club aspires to have their products in major retail stores, Mr Khumalo said competition was high especially with well established brands that have been there for decades.

He said while they were still in negotiations with major retailers, individuals, parastatals, private companies and government departments bought from them a gesture which he appreciated.

They have been to different expos among them the Youth Business, Agricultural, Dinokeng and Consumer fair which they have used as a platform to market their products and to exchange ideas. ENDS