Nokwanda Cele
Youth in Business & Entrepreneurship
Nominee's Province:
Kwazulu-natal
Age:
26
Project Name/Description:
Founder – Litklean Training Institute & Litklean Chemicals
Nokwanda Cele is the founder of both Litklean Training Institute and Litklean Chemicals, which began operating in 2020. Litklean Chemicals manufactures cleaning products and cosmetics, while the training institute addresses the lack of practical skills in the chemical manufacturing industry. The company currently employs seven people—five full-time and two part-time. “Litklean Training Institute was formed to close the gap in practical skills training within the chemical manufacturing industry, specifically for cosmetics and cleaning products,” says Cele. The institute offers certificate-based training in detergents (Levels 1–3), skincare and haircare products, candle-making, and paint manufacturing. Cele has built a team of facilitators with chemistry and training backgrounds who provide tailored instruction for learners from diverse educational levels. This includes interns with chemical engineering experience. She studied BSc in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is currently pursuing a BCom in International Business and Economics. She’s also part of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s grant programme. But breaking into the sector wasn’t easy. “Even with my background in chemistry, I struggled to access hands-on knowledge—correct formulations, sourcing raw materials, and understanding industry-standard processes. The sector was difficult to penetrate, with limited support for aspiring manufacturers,” Cele explains.
