A legacy of lather
Granddaughter carries on Rehoboth soap pioneer’s dream
In the heart of Rehoboth’s Block E community, a humble backyard continues to bubble with the legacy of a remarkable woman. Welfrieda “Mietjies” Beukes, a pioneering entrepreneur and devoted mother, started Budget Soap Manufacturers cc in 1996 from her home, driven by the desire to provide for her eight children - four of her own and four of her late sisters'.Beukes, fondly known as “Mietjies” or “Frieda”, passed away on 16 August 2021, but her vision lives on.
Today, her granddaughter Grace Scott proudly carries the torch.
“My grandmother filled the role of both grandma and grandpa,” Grace says with a smile. “She was a woman of unmatched strength, wisdom and courage - my daily inspiration.”
What began in a modest home corridor has grown into a recognised brand in Rehoboth, supplying local favourites such as Volkswinkel Spar and Dolphin Fish & Chips.
Scott, who now leads the company’s marketing and administration, says she feels both pride and duty.
“For a vibrant and keen-eyed young lady, it was just the right thing to do,” she explains. “We want to build on what Granny started, not just to grow a business, but to create real impact.”
Looking ahead
Although production remains small-scale, hopes are high. The backyard setup is limited, and the company is actively seeking land to build a larger, better-equipped facility.
“We are praying for favourable conditions from our town council, so Budget Soap Manufacturers can become landowners,” says Scott. “With support from both local and international investors, we can create more permanent jobs and uplift families across Rehoboth and Namibia.”
Budget Soap currently employs seasonal youth from the community, rotating opportunities to reach more households. However, the road has not been without obstacles. The team still dices fat manually, lacks essential industrial equipment, and battles logistical challenges without a reliable vehicle.
“The biggest ingredient in our soap is fat, but we don’t have a fixed supplier,” she explains. “We are also in dire need of a bakkie to deliver our soap across the country.”
Motivation
Despite the challenges, the team remains motivated by Beukes’s enduring words.
“My granny always said: ‘When you wake up in the morning to operate this business, do it like you’re working for someone else and not yourself. Because the moment you tell yourself “Oh, but I am the boss”, the tendency to relax and not put in extra effort goes from 0 to 100.’”
Grace’s vision for the future is clear: grow the business, create sustainable jobs, and carry on her grandmother’s dream with pride.
Budget Soap products are currently made in various sizes based on customer preferences, and discussions with potential partners are ongoing. “We are exploring options to expand, attract investors, and ultimately make this a nationally recognised brand,” she adds.
In every bar of soap, there’s not just cleanliness, but a legacy of love, resilience, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.