By Mzukona Mantshontsho
LJ MANUFACTURING & SUPPLIERS was established in 2021 in Secunda Mpumalanga to manufacture tissue paper and detergents that are daily essentials of a household and any business entity.
Spoke to Founder Loyiswa Xaba about her personal, professional and entrepreneurial journey thus far.
Tell us about your early life to your role today
I was born in Durban Lamontville Township. I was raised by parents who both passed away at an incredibly early stage of my teenage life. I am the only child and have two half-sisters and two half-brothers from my father’s side. After my mother’s passing my maternal grandmother had to practically raise and shelter me.
I attended Isipingo Primary School then later attended my Grade 8 at a boarding school called King BhekuZulu College in Kwa Nongoma – I had to attend a school near my home the following year because I had physio therapists to attend to in Durban as I was in a car crash the previous year. From Grade 9 to 12, I attended at Interfellowship Christian School. I attended tertiary education at Swinton Coastal FET College and qualified as a Civil Engineer.
What does your role mean to you?
Black female 100% shareholder CEO of a company called LJ MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIERS.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
I first need to understand my daily operations, believe in my products and acknowledge that this is a journey therefore I will make mistakes that can cost me and the entire operations. Secondly build trust with my advisors or mentors as they share their knowledge and expertise in the business, acknowledging the thoughts of my team as we share one common goal in the business.
What can we expect from you going forward?
The goal is to break into the retail space in South Africa and witness my products in all the stores country-wide.
What are your words of advice for young people, particularly women to start small businesses?
Just start, I believe God has entrusted each and every one of us on earth with a gift. Recognise your gift, nourish and cultivate your gift. Woman the time has arrived to take up space in business.
What are your thoughts on Covid-19 in terms of small businesses?
Covid-19 has had a negative impact in every small business. Business needs to go back to the drawing board restructure, integrate more on technology and possibly restructure their business models.
What is the legacy that you would want to leave when you retire?
Be able to employ and teach as many women as possible to engage in manufacturing and take up space in the industry. Contribute to my country’s economy.
How does your business contribute to the community?
I offer my products at a manufacture’s price to the supplier, and they get to be in business, resell to other consumers for a good price and make money. Many community members today are in business and are successful with the help of LJ MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIERS.
What have been your highs and lows of your working career?
My highs were basically seeing myself starting a business in a male dominated industry and self-funded. My lows are breaking into the industry and a brand that people can trust and relate with.
When you not at work, what do you get up to, and where can people follow you or your business online?
As a Christian, I love positive spaces, I’m always willing to learn and love traveling and having a good laugh with friends.
You can find me on: Instagram as Loyiswa_Xaba.
Facebook: LJ MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIERS
Instagram: lj_manufacturing_and_suppliers
