By Keletso Mkhwanazi.
OhSoBright laundry detergent washing paste is a South African brand developed by a chemistry graduate after receiving a sample of a branded detergent paste that sold millions of units in Central Africa.
After testing the sample, Bongi Shangase discovered she could improve it and develop a product for the local and southern African markets. She then purchased a modest production plant, set it up in her garage, and began developing and testing the product and concept.
Following highly successful results, the founder quit her job to launch her own detergent and home cleaning firm. She told Vutivi News that the detergent company offered a wide range of home cleaning goods. Furthermore, she said the laundry paste was a concentrated detergent that had various benefits compared to regular powder, as it consumed less water per load while maintaining the same quality as powder.
Also, it could provide five washes from a 100-gram pouch, equivalent to a 250-gram box of powder.
It is less expensive to use than powder, has highly superior stain-removing properties, and is appropriate for first-load applications. The paste has a pleasant scent fragranced with less evaporation, resulting in a long-lasting and fresh perfume after washing,” said Shangase. It also softens clothes and blankets without the use of fabric softener and can be used in hot or cold water, allowing washing by hand or in a machine.
OhSoBright, a detergent and stain removal product, comes in a reusable bottle, which also makes it more cost-effective. Shangase said it had gone through several development cycles and there was positive feedback from a variety of consumer groups. “We launched in Durban South in 2013, then our products were offered in KZN’s wholesale division for 18 months, resulting in the inclusion of independent family and wholesale retailers and boosted market credibility, she said.
“Our company intends to increase its footprint in southern Africa, with items already accessible regionally via Spar, Choppies, Saverite, Jumbo Cash & Carry, and smaller independent retail stores.” OhSoBright has also been exported to Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Botswana, and the Seychelles.
The company’s web store offers nationwide shipping of its products. “We appreciate our tremendous customer support, and we intend to have their items on the shelves of every retailer in southern Africa,” she said.
