When I decided to do profiles on this blog, I never expected that I would be so inspired myself. The story of Lufuno Rasoesoe and the strides she made growing her business, TOSH Detergents, is a true documentary. I was so inspired in terms of my own business. She is definitely one of a kind. Let me not say too much. Here is the Q&A with her:
Sibusiso Nkosi: Take us back to the day you decided to start your business. How did you come to that conclusion?
Lufuno Rasoesoe: I found great fulfilment in making soap during lockdown. It was a mix of timing, passion, and a desire to make a tangible impact. I always felt a void within to say there has to be more I can do or be as a person. I often questioned my existence and true purpose. And surprisingly when I made soap, I felt fulfilled and in an amazing space. The idea had been brewing for a while, stemming from my childhood memories of my mother making soap and the realization of the gap in the market for locally produced environmentally-friendly cleaning products. After gaining more information and refining my skills through a chemical incubator programme, I saw an opportunity to blend traditional knowledge with modern demand. The decision to start TOSH Detergents was really about combining my passion for sustainability with a business model that could uplift communities and provide quality products. It felt like the right time to take the plunge into entrepreneurship and make a difference in my own way.
Sibusiso Nkosi: How tough is competition in your field? What have you experienced in terms of that?
Lufuno Rasoesoe: Competition in the detergent and cleaning products space is incredibly tough. We’re up against massive, well-established brands with deep pockets, strong brand recognition, and national distribution. Entering that space as a small, homegrown business meant we had to be strategic and resilient. What I’ve experienced is that competing on price alone isn’t sustainable—but competing on value, story, and impact has given us an edge. Our unique story is one of those things the big brands can’t easily replicate. We’ve also had to fight for shelf space and visibility. Getting into retail stores like Shoprite/Checkers, Pick n Pay and MAKRO online didn’t happen overnight. It took grit, consistent product quality, and building trust with buyers. Online, we’ve carved out a niche, and customers believe in the brand. So yes, the competition is intense—but with purpose, quality, and community-driven innovation, we’re holding our ground.
Sibusiso Nkosi: What do you love most about your business and products?
Lufuno Rasoesoe: What I love most is that my business is more than just a brand—it’s a movement. Every bottle we produce tells a story of heritage, resilience, and transformation. I love that our products actually work. They’re high-quality, effective, and made with care. Knowing that someone in a township refill station, a retail store, or even online is choosing our TOSH products because they are affordable and deliver results—that’s incredibly fulfilling. But what really lights me up is the impact. I love that our success uplifts women harvesters in rural Limpopo, provides opportunities to people from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, and creates micro-enterprise opportunities through our bulk and refill model. We’re creating jobs, inspiring others, and proving that purpose-driven business can be powerful. It’s the blend of purpose and product that makes me wake up every day feeling proud of what we’re building.
Sibusiso Nkosi: What challenges are you currently facing in your business?
Lufuno Rasoesoe: Getting our products into more stores consistently and efficiently is a hurdle. Transportation costs are rising, and managing nationwide delivery while maintaining margins is tricky. Even when we get shelf space, we’re still a small player next to global brands. Competing for the consumer’s attention without huge marketing budgets means we have to be very intentional with our storytelling and in-store activations. As demand grows—especially from bigger retailers—we need to produce at a larger scale, but upfront capital for raw materials, packaging, and logistics isn’t always readily available. Cash flow can be tight when you’re growing fast. Despite the challenges, I see them as signs that we’re on the right path—growing pains, in the best sense.
Sibusiso Nkosi: How can people order your products?
Lufuno Rasoesoe:
Online Platforms
Our products are available on major online stores like: Takealot, Makro Online, Amazon (for select regions) and Zulzi (for quicker local delivery)
Retail Stores
You can find TOSH Detergents in: Shoprite/Checkers, Pick n Pay and selected Spar stores
Refill Stations & Bulk Orders
For township economies or individuals who want to buy in bulk and repackage, we offer direct sales from our production facility in Centurion, Sunderland Ridge, or through our network of community resellers. It’s also a great way to start a micro-business.
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