Slae Manufacturing enters the paper towel industry
While most residents were facing gloomy hopes of Selibe Phikwe economic activities, Ookeditse Garekwe decided to rise to counter the problems by establishing a manufacturing company in order to create employment and boost the trading activity in the area.
His company, dubbed Slae Manufacturers, specialises in the production of toilet rolls and core tubes. “We provide 2ply soft toilet rolls with quality that dissolves in water in affordable prices for resellers and for household users.”
Speaking to the Business Trends, Garekwe said he wanted to participate in developing the Selibe Phikwe region despite the tough economic conditions that befell the town following the closure of BCL mine. “I wanted to contribute in the development of the manufacturing industry in the Selibe Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU) as a resident. I also wanted to create employment for other residents.”
The company started operations in 2022 through funding from Citizen Entreprenural Development Agency (CEDA) at the tune of P700 000. Currently the company is still at small scale production with limited customer reach as packaging and branding process is not yet finalised due to limited capital. They are currently supplying schools, government institutions and individuals.
Garekwe said they are working towards supplying local retailors after the completion of packaging and branding requirements. “The market is very good and our product has been well received by the market as we produce high quality issue. We are only limited by packaging requirements because shops want a certain kind of packaging that is well branded.”
When applying for funding, Garekwe said packaging and branding was not included in the costs of materials but only realised that he needs over P150 000 for specialised branding and packaging. He is currently waiting for financial assistance from Stanbic Bank Botswana which will help him get high quality branding tools from China. Currently he buys paper materials from South Africa.
He has been assisted by Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) which equipped him with business management skills and gave him exposure through trade fairs as well as motivating government and parastatals to buy products from the company. “This business is very lucrative and I have been well equipped and supported by several organisations such as LEA and Debswana Tokafala programme.” He employed three people from Selibe Phikwe region and sometimes hires casual employees during busy days.