“No issues here, just tissues.”

What started out as a point of frustration, turned into a thriving business for Neo Mahomed, owner and founder of Ntofotofo.

When panic buying hit the shelves during the Covid-19 pandemic, Neo found herself unable to source the toilet paper required to fulfil an order. This inspired her to explore the toilet paper manufacturing and supply sector.

She started out as a distributor under an existing toilet paper manufacturer. When she sold an entire container of stock within a month, Neo decided to start her own brand and manufacturing line.

That is how the playful and homely brand of Ntofotofo was born. “The name of Ntofotofo for my brand came to me, as it sounds so soft and cushy and just rolls off the tongue”, Neo explains.

Thanks to funding assistance from Glencore, Neo was able to procure a toilet roll manufacturing machine in 2021. Today, the company employs two full-time and two part-time employees. One of the full-time employees is Neo’s trusted business partner and brother, Phemelo Mahomed.

Ntofotofo’s products are all ISO9001-accredited and include one-ply and two-ply toilet rolls in various packaging sizes, garage rolls and interfolded paper towels.

Currently, their customer base consists primarily of households in and around Rustenburg, where they are based. They do home deliveries twice a week. “Our future plans include expanding our market to include schools, hotels, the mines and other corporates, and to also give back to the community by training locals to come onboard.”, Neo says.

The short-term goal for the business is to have its product tested and SANBS certified, which will facilitate the process of entering a larger market.

Neo enjoys a challenge, which has assisted her business to grow. “My life motto is: Throw yourself in a hole and see how you get out of it. You will never know the true power of your strength unless you challenge yourself.”

Contact Ntofotofo and try their product for yourself.

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ntofotofo1/