Mkgotsi Projects Primary Cooperative: Women Leading Local Industry Transformation

Born from both a market gap and a vision for empowerment, Mkgotsi Projects Primary Cooperative is rewriting the story of chemical manufacturing in Fort Beaufort. Formally established in 2024, the cooperative has swiftly emerged as a women led force for change in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality under the Amathole District.

The seeds of this journey were planted in 2023 when a group of visionary entrepreneurs recognised a simple but powerful truth: while chemical products were in high demand in Fort Beaufort, there were no local suppliers to meet it. Determined to change this, they began by sourcing and distributing cleaning products from established manufacturers such as Chemi Bland (Gqeberha) and Chemax (East London).

At the heart of Mkgotsi is the leadership and technical expertise of Unathi Luguxa, whose training in chemical manufacturing transformed the cooperative’s potential. In early 2024, she spearheaded an internal training programme that equipped members, including young women from the local community, with practical skills in chemical production. This bold step enabled the cooperative to evolve from a distributor into a producer of high-quality household cleaning products, while positioning women as the industry leaders of tomorrow.

Today, Mkgotsi manufactures and supplies a growing range of everyday essentials that bring value and convenience to households across the district:

·        Pine Gel to keep homes sparkling

·        Dishwashing Liquid for spotless kitchens

·        Bleach for hygiene and freshness

·        All Purpose Cleaner for every surface

·        Fabric Softener to add comfort to laundry

Every bottle and container represent more than a product, it reflects skills development, women’s empowerment, and community driven enterprise. Already, Mkgotsi has created jobs for women in Fort Beaufort, offering dignity, stability, and hope. With expansion plans underway, the cooperative is committed to empowering even more women and youth through training, mentorship, and employment.

Fuelling this growth is strategic support from the Imvaba Co-operative Fund, which approved nearly R400,000 for the cooperative. This investment enables the purchase of raw materials, protective clothing for safe handling of chemicals, and a delivery vehicle, laying the foundation for greater reach and long-term sustainability.

Looking ahead, Mkgotsi envisions becoming a leading, community-based manufacturer and supplier of affordable, high quality cleaning products across the Eastern Cape. More than a business, the cooperative is a movement, proving that when women are given opportunities, they create industries, empower communities, and inspire generations.