“Yakgona wasn’t just a business—it was my lifeline.” That’s how Lerato Mashabela, Yakgona’s founder, describes the spark that ignited her cleaning chemicals empire in 2018. Picture this: a 27-year-old from a small Limpopo village, staring down a failing shop, borrowing 10,000 ZAR from her dad to gamble on a stranger’s promise. Fast forward to March 2025—her company, Yakgona Chemicals, employs 22 people directly and supports over 10,000 homes through a thriving network of distributors. This isn’t just a success story. It’s a masterclass in resilience, ingenuity, and building something bigger than yourself.
I’m here to unpack Lerato’s journey for you. Not just the feel-good bits, but the gritty, practical steps she took to turn a desperate pivot into a Proudly South African brand. Whether you’re an entrepreneur itching to launch your own venture or a professional eyeing growth, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive in.
From Small Town Struggles to Big Dreams
Lerato grew up in Ga-Mashamothane, a speck on the map outside Burgersfort, Limpopo. Life wasn’t easy. Raised in a polygamous family, she was the only one to matriculate—a feat that set her apart but didn’t shield her from hardship. She craved independence. Early ventures like a laundry service and a tuck shop flopped, but they lit a fire. Necessity pushed her to keep trying.
In 2018, she quit her receptionist job to open a cleaning materials shop. Risky? Yes. She started with scraps—limited funds, a borrowed garage from her parents, and a dream to create a one-stop cleaning supply hub. Sales didn’t come. By September, she was ready to quit. Then a phone call changed everything.
A man, referred by her cousin, claimed he could make cleaning chemicals. Skeptical but desperate, Lerato borrowed 10,000 ZAR from her father. The guy showed up late but delivered. From her home, they whipped up quality products that breathed life into her dying business. She calls it her “CPR moment.” It’s when Yakgona started taking shape.
The Pivot That Paid Off
For a year, Lerato learned the ropes of chemical production from her mysterious collaborator. They parted ways, but she wasn’t starting from scratch anymore. In 2020, her husband joined the mission. Together, they turned a shaky start into a solid foundation. She sought training—likely through an organization like Ceda—to refine her skills. Product quality improved. Standards clicked into place.
Customers loved one thing: the multipurpose cleaner. “This thing works,” they’d say, coming back for more. Lerato listened. She zeroed in on that product, making it the heart of her lineup. By December 2020, Yakgona Multipurpose Cleaner was born. The name? Her idea—unique, bold, not just another generic label. Her husband was sold. They were onto something.
Label design came next. She battled a designer for “popping colors” and a standout look. After rounds of tweaks, the final version landed on December 26, 2020. Lerato knew it was “it”—the face of her vision.
Yakgona’s Founder Scales with Smarts
2021 was the tipping point. A social media post offering resellers 100% profit exploded. Thousands messaged her. Lerato wasn’t ready—no systems, no transport, barely enough stock. She switched off her phone to breathe. But demand didn’t fade. Customers waited. That’s when she knew Yakgona had legs.
She scrapped a clunky incentive plan and built a distributorship model instead. Here’s how it works: Lerato supplies the products. Distributors act as “online branches,” recruiting resellers without holding stock. Community input via chat groups polished the system. It’s efficient. Scalable. By March 2025, over 10 distributors and countless resellers fueled Yakgona’s growth.
The numbers speak. Twenty-two direct jobs. Over 10,000 homes touched. Based at 8 Rudo Nell Road in Boksburg, Yakgona Chemicals now serves households and industries—mining, laundry, hospitality—with products that tackle stains, grease, and grime on everything from tiles to mattresses.
Actionable Tip: Scale through others. Build a system where partners grow your reach without you micromanaging. Test it small, tweak it with feedback, then roll it out wide.
A Mission Beyond Profit
Lerato’s drive isn’t just about money. Yakgona’s founder wanted to solve a problem—affordable, effective cleaning for her community—and lift others up. She turned down big retailers. Why? To share the “piece of the pie” with South Africans like her. It’s collective empowerment, not a solo cash grab.
Sustainability matters too. Yakgona’s products clean well but aim to harm less. Research and development keep them ahead, blending top ingredients with new tech. It’s a Proudly South African legacy—rooted in heritage, pushing for a greener future.
Actionable Tip: Anchor your business in purpose. Profit follows when you solve real problems. Say no to deals that clash with your core—short-term wins can kill long-term impact.
Lessons from Lerato’s Playbook
Let’s break this down. Lerato didn’t have a fancy degree or deep pockets. She had grit. She turned setbacks into setups—each failure taught her something. Quitting her job was a gamble, but staying stagnant was riskier. That stranger’s call? A lifeline she seized. The viral post? Chaos she tamed into order.
You can do this too. Start where you stand. Use what you’ve got. A garage, a loan, a hunch—those are enough. Learn as you go—training, feedback, trial, and error. Focus on what works, then scale it smartly. Build a tribe—distributors, resellers, customers—who grow with you. Purpose keeps you grounded.
Actionable Tip: Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Begin with what’s in reach, iterate fast, and let momentum carry you. Purpose isn’t a buzzword—it’s your compass.
26 Mega Projects Coming to South Africa: A Deep Dive
The Road Ahead for Yakgona
Where’s Yakgona heading? Growth, for sure. More jobs, more homes impacted. The multipurpose cleaner’s a star, but the lineup could expand—think specialized solutions for industries or eco-friendly twists. Lerato’s team is relentless about innovation. They’re not resting on laurels.
Want in? Visit theyakgonabrand.co.za or call +27 10 023 6022. Explore the products. Join the movement. Yakgona’s founder, Lerato Mashabela, built this from nothing—proof you can too. Her story’s not done, and neither is yours.
Get the latest entrepreneurial success stories, expert tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox — Sign up for Entrepreneur Hub SA’s newsletter today!
