Ekasi Toilet Paper Factory: How Karabo Rametse Built a Thriving Tissue Brand

Ekasi Toilet Paper Factory: How Karabo Rametse Built a Thriving Tissue Brand. In the heart of Soweto, where entrepreneurial spirit meets community resilience, Karabo Rametse identified an opportunity in an everyday essential: toilet paper. Recognizing its constant demand and non-perishable nature, she founded Ekasi Supersoft Tissue in 2019, aiming to provide quality products while uplifting her community.

From Fast Food to Tissue Rolls: A Strategic Pivot

Before venturing into manufacturing, Rametse operated four fast-food outlets in Soweto, selling popular local dishes like kotas and chips. However, she realized that while food items have a limited shelf life, toilet paper is a staple that households consistently need. This insight led her to pivot her business model, investing in a winding machine to produce tissue paper. With a dedicated team of five permanent employees and six temporary staffers, she began supplying shops across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Giyani.

Building from the Ground Up: Operational Insights

Operating from Protea Glen in Soweto, Rametse sourced raw materials from Germiston in Ekurhuleni. The production process involved taking raw, white virgin paper, available in one- or two-ply, and using the winder to roll and wind the paper into logs. These logs were then cut with a bandsaw to create standard-issued tissue rolls. Early challenges included managing waste, as tissue paper can be easily damaged. Instead of discarding imperfect rolls, she sold them at discounted prices, finding a market that appreciated affordability without compromising on quality.

Resilience Amidst Unrest: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The civil unrest in Gauteng posed significant challenges, with many businesses, including those she supplied, being looted. Despite this, the demand for essential items like toilet paper remained high. Rametse’s ability to continue supplying during this period not only sustained her business but also reinforced her role as a reliable supplier in times of crisis.

Scaling Up: Strategic Expansion and Distribution

Two notable achievements marked Ekasi Supersoft Tissue’s growth: relocating the production line to an industrial site in Johannesburg to increase manufacturing capacity and acquiring a small vehicle to facilitate product deliveries. These strategic moves enhanced operational efficiency and broadened her distribution network, including supplying a Spar in Kibler Park, south of Johannesburg.

Karabo Rametse’s journey with Ekasi Supersoft Tissue exemplifies how identifying a basic need, coupled with strategic planning and community focus, can lead to a thriving enterprise. Her story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs aiming to make a meaningful impact through their ventures.