"Ours is as good as the best paper in the market". - Mbalenhle Ngcobo
- Jan 1, 2021
- 2 min read
Photo: Mbalenhle Ngcobo, the founder of Ifutho Investments (PTY) Ltd.
Mbalenhle Ngcobo is a 27 year old who grew up in Umlazi C-section and currently resides in Ballito in KZN. She is the director of Ifutho investments (PTY) Ltd trading as Ifutho paper. She holds a BA
(communication science) UNISA, Hon(media and cultural studies) from UKZN and business programmes through Ilembe incubator and Raizcorp incubator. She is very ambitious, hardworking, and passionate about women empowerment. Apart from spending time with her family, Mbali enjoys running and live shows.
Ifutho Investments (PTY) Ltd trading as Ifutho paper is a company that was established more than 2 years ago with a vision to create a world class integrated services in the photocopying paper industry. We specialise in supply and delivery of photocopying paper. We have our own brand Ifutho paper, its 80gsm in size, available in sizes A4 and A3, white in colour, it comes in 500 per ream and 5 reams per box. It is compatible with all printing machines, copiers and inkject machines. The business is situated in Imbonini business park in Ballito.
“The idea was born in 2016, through research I realised that the market is dominated by the giants. Paper is used on daily basis in both private and public institutions, almost every office has a photocopying machine that requires photocopying paper therefore there is a market for a new brand to be introduced in the market. Due to lack of funding and financial difficulties the machine was imported in 2017 and it exhausted all the financing, since we are self-funded we had to sell other brands of paper to get the feel of the market and generate some money to assist with the Ifutho paper operation that commenced in 2018 November till to date".
What makes your paper different? "Paper is paper and ours is as good as the best paper in the market and carries the same quality as the best paper in the market. We are a Level 1 rated B-BBEE supplier, we are fully committed to customer service and providing convenience to our clients so that we can save them time and money. Ifutho provides more than just a transactional relationship, we develop relationship with our customers. Our paper is made by one of you; as I worked as an admirative assistant for more than 6 years, I understand the important of using a paper that will make printing easy, I understand the value of dealing with the right supplier and that makes me able to understand the need of my clients".
Your advice to other entrepreneurs?
Self-doubt is the enemy of success, so stop doubting self and try, you will be surprised how strong and capable you are.
Don't be afraid to fail and make mistakes; that how you learn and grow.
Do not be afraid to start small while you have a bigger picture in your mind and always keeping your eyes to the price.
For more information about Ifutho Paper see link below:
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