Naledi Phahlo
Environment, Agriculture and Sustainability
Nominee's Province:
Free State
Project Name/Description:
Entrepreneur, Deedee Hygiene Solutions
Naledi Phahlo is a driven and accomplished entrepreneur who has successfully founded Deedee Hygiene Solutions, a company dedicated to producing high-quality, environmentally friendly household and industrial detergents, as well as hygiene-related products. Her business gained significant popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the heightened demand for disinfection services across South Africa.
Phahlo’s approach goes beyond just generating profit; she is deeply committed to the well-being of communities, leveraging her business’s popularity and affordability to make a positive impact. Her contributions to society have not gone unnoticed—she was awarded the national “Unsung Hero Award” by Sowetan in 2022 and was also recognised with the Best Female Manufacturing Award. Additionally, she was a top student at the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy in 2021, a programme conducted in partnership with Walmart.
Her entrepreneurial achievements are marked by a strong commitment to social responsibility. As a vendor to World Vision South Africa, she supplies her hygiene products to vulnerable children and the wider community. Her company has provided employment to 14 individuals, with sic holding permanent positions and eight working as casual employees.
“In every aspect of my life, I strive to embody resilience, flexibility, and a dynamic leadership style. My vision extends beyond business success to include the upliftment of my community and making a meaningful impact on the economy at large,” said Phahlo.
