Mbalenhle Ngcobo Pioneers Paper Industry with Ifutho Paper

Mbalenhle Ngcobo, a 31-year-old dynamic entrepreneur from Ballito, Durban, is making waves in the office supplies sector with her company, Ifutho Paper.

As the founder of Ifutho Investments (Pty) Ltd, Ngcobo has successfully carved out a niche in the highly competitive photocopying paper market.

Established over two years ago, Ifutho Paper is dedicated to providing top-quality office printing paper. Specializing in A4 and A3 sizes, their product—80gsm white paper—comes in 500-sheet reams and is compatible with all types of printing and copying machines.

The company’s mission is to deliver excellence and reliability in every ream.

Ngcobo’s journey began in 2016 when she identified a gap in a market largely dominated by a few major players. Despite facing financial hurdles, including a self-funded start and challenges with initial funding, Ngcobo’s perseverance paid off.

The company commenced operations in November 2018, initially selling other brands to generate revenue before launching their own.

In her multifaceted role, Ngcobo manages sales, administration, production oversight, and even delivery.

Ngcobo holds a BA in Communication Science from the University of South Africa and an Honours degree in Media and Cultural Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has also benefited from practical training provided by the company that sold her the initial machinery.

Funding has been a challenging aspect of her entrepreneurial journey.

After initial self-funding and financial struggles, Ngcobo received crucial support from Avon Peaking Power through their incubation program and more recently from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which helped in purchasing raw materials.

Ngcobo draws inspiration from her role model, Khanyi Dhlomo, and her hardworking mother.

For marketing, Ifutho Paper utilizes social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, along with traditional methods such as flyers and exhibitions.

Ngcobo’s vision for the future includes expanding the company’s reach across KwaZulu-Natal and eventually into neighboring countries, with aspirations of international recognition.

For orders and more information, Ifutho Paper can be contacted via email at info@ifuthopaper.co.za or by phone at 073 687 4535.

Follow them on Facebook: Ifutho Paper and Instagram: @Ifutho_paper for updates and more.