Ubunele Primary Cooperative Ltd
| Business Location: | Rural area - Villages |
| Province | Northern Cape |
| Branch: | ZF Mgcawu |
| Business Start Date: | 2017-02-01 |
| Busniess Type: | Co-operative |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
The company specializes in manufacturing Personal Protective Wear, School Uniform, Professional Work Uniform, Traditional Clothing and Event clothing designs, drawing on the diverse skill sets, determination, and passion of its founders. Through projects such as SASSA School Uniform and Mine PPE tenders
Challenges/Needs:
Securing adequate funding to support expansion, acquire equipment, and maintain sufficient working capital remains a key priority.
•
Intense competition from well-established players in the manufacturing, cleaning, and construction sectors poses a significant threat to growth and market share.
•
Establishing a consistent client base and securing long-term contracts presents ongoing market penetration challenges.
•
Limited resources create operational capacity constraints, particularly when managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
•
Compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and municipal requirements places additional operational and administrative pressure on the business.
A shortage of skilled labour continues to impact service delivery and highlights the long-term risk of workforce availability
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
1.
Export Readiness Assessment
The company underwent a comprehensive export readiness assessment that evaluated its potential to participate in international markets. This process reviewed product compliance, required certifications, customs documentation, HS codes, Incoterms, pricing strategies, logistics, and foreign exchange considerations. The outcome provided Ubunele with a gap analysis, an export roadmap, and a checklist of regulatory and market-entry requirements. This enabled the company to identify opportunities in both regional and global markets while clarifying the steps needed to become export ready.
2.
International Trade Exhibition Participation
Ubunele was given the opportunity to participate in an international trade exhibition, where the company showcased its products and services while benchmarking against competitors. With support in product presentation, marketing collateral, and meeting arrangements, Ubunele gained exposure to potential buyers, generated partnership enquiries, and established a pipeline of leads to follow up on after the event.
3.
HR and Payroll Policy Implementation
The company received assistance in the development and implementation of a comprehensive HR and payroll policy framework. This included procedures for recruitment, onboarding, performance management, leave management, and disciplinary processes. In addition, a payroll system was set up in line with statutory requirements such as PAYE, UIF, and SDL. These measures improved compliance, clarified employee roles, and strengthened workforce management.
4.
CSDP Support through SEDFA – Machinery Acquisition
Through the Cooperative Support Development Program (CSDP) facilitated by SEDFA, Ubunele received machinery and equipment valued at R265,000. This investment directly enhanced production capacity, improved efficiency, and ensured better quality control across operations. The additional machinery has also positioned the business to undertake larger and more complex contracts, contributing to both growth and sustainability.
Export Readiness Assessment
The company underwent a comprehensive export readiness assessment that evaluated its potential to participate in international markets. This process reviewed product compliance, required certifications, customs documentation, HS codes, Incoterms, pricing strategies, logistics, and foreign exchange considerations. The outcome provided Ubunele with a gap analysis, an export roadmap, and a checklist of regulatory and market-entry requirements. This enabled the company to identify opportunities in both regional and global markets while clarifying the steps needed to become export ready.
2.
International Trade Exhibition Participation
Ubunele was given the opportunity to participate in an international trade exhibition, where the company showcased its products and services while benchmarking against competitors. With support in product presentation, marketing collateral, and meeting arrangements, Ubunele gained exposure to potential buyers, generated partnership enquiries, and established a pipeline of leads to follow up on after the event.
3.
HR and Payroll Policy Implementation
The company received assistance in the development and implementation of a comprehensive HR and payroll policy framework. This included procedures for recruitment, onboarding, performance management, leave management, and disciplinary processes. In addition, a payroll system was set up in line with statutory requirements such as PAYE, UIF, and SDL. These measures improved compliance, clarified employee roles, and strengthened workforce management.
4.
CSDP Support through SEDFA – Machinery Acquisition
Through the Cooperative Support Development Program (CSDP) facilitated by SEDFA, Ubunele received machinery and equipment valued at R265,000. This investment directly enhanced production capacity, improved efficiency, and ensured better quality control across operations. The additional machinery has also positioned the business to undertake larger and more complex contracts, contributing to both growth and sustainability.
Outcome Details:
The interventions yielded the following results for Ubunele Primary Cooperative Ltd:
1.
Export Readiness Assessment – Clear roadmap for entering regional and international markets.
2.
Capacity Building Training – Improved financial management, pricing accuracy, and overall business discipline.
3.
International Trade Exhibition – Increased visibility, new buyer leads, and partnership opportunities.
4.
HR and Payroll Policy Implementation – Stronger compliance, better workforce management, and reduced administrative risks.
5.
CSDP Support (Machinery worth R265,000) – Increased production capacity, improved efficiency, and ability to handle larger contracts. The company recorded a turnover increase of R 3 919 503.00 from R 888 644.00, that of the previous financial year.
6.
Employment: There is an increase in employment, from 7 employees to an additional 5 permanent employees. The business has 12 permanent employees, including the cooperative member.
1.
Export Readiness Assessment – Clear roadmap for entering regional and international markets.
2.
Capacity Building Training – Improved financial management, pricing accuracy, and overall business discipline.
3.
International Trade Exhibition – Increased visibility, new buyer leads, and partnership opportunities.
4.
HR and Payroll Policy Implementation – Stronger compliance, better workforce management, and reduced administrative risks.
5.
CSDP Support (Machinery worth R265,000) – Increased production capacity, improved efficiency, and ability to handle larger contracts. The company recorded a turnover increase of R 3 919 503.00 from R 888 644.00, that of the previous financial year.
6.
Employment: There is an increase in employment, from 7 employees to an additional 5 permanent employees. The business has 12 permanent employees, including the cooperative member.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
“Our mission statement is: “manufacture quality products, provide quality service, and fulfil company’s stable and continuous development.”
