Being at the helm of a growing business that has become the go to brand in the cleaning service space is something of a dream come true for South African entrepreneur Oyenawethu Sontundu.
Established in 2015, Oyenawethu Trading Enterprises is out to become a significant cleaning service provider to industrial, commercial and residential markets through job creation within previously disadvantaged communities.
“Our cleaning services include, but are not limited to, interior cleaning, supply cleaning products, industrial cleaning, commercial cleaning, residential cleaning, window cleaning, deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, furniture cleaning, PPE supply, stationary supply, office groceries supply and garden services,” explains Oyenawethu.
“We always promise to deliver excellent services. We are using only environmentally friendly products. Oyenawethu Trading Enterprise is a 100% black female owned company that currently employs 20 employees and is eager to expand the workforce as operations continue to grow.”
A Passion for Business
Oyenawethu clearly remembers how, as a young girl, she would always dream about running her own business.
“From a very early age, I’ve all ways seen myself as a business owner. Little did I know that I could turn ordinary household chores and activities such as house cleaning, laundry, toilet cleaning, window cleaning and gardening to name a few into a flourishing business.
“It was later on in my tertiary years that I decided to register a cleaning services company. I was born and raised in a humble village of Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape.
“While doing my first my year of electrical engineering, I had an opportunity to learn more about running a business as a black female entrepreneur.
“I was inspired to start my own company when I was working as a shop assistant in an interior design shop, where I was responsible for running the showroom, interacting with clients on a more personal basis, making sure that the stock is available and to see to it that the clients get what they want.
“Through my interaction with the clients I was able to ask around and find out what other services they would like to have in their plush estates, most highlighted the need for a cleaning company that would assist their house keepers with heavy duty cleaning, specialized equipment and the need for eco-friendly cleaning products. “
Changing Trends
Oyenawethu Trading Enterprise has had to adjust to the evolution of the cleaning industry which has brought with it many significant changes in trends, technical advances and client expectations.
The use of automated scheduling and customer relationship management systems has helped the business to manage interactions with clients, track leads, automate processes as well as improve client services.
“The strategies I use to stay ahead of the curve are technology integration as well as enhancing online presence. A strong website, local SEO, and social media engagement help attract new customers and retain existing ones.”
Overcoming Challenges
Oyenawethu singles out low self-esteem and poor time management as some of the challenges she encountered while trying to build her name and brand in the industry.
“Many entrepreneurs struggle with imposter syndrome or feelings of inadequacy, especially in the early stages. One key lesson here is the importance of building resilience and confidence. Acknowledging small wins, seeking mentorship, and understanding that failure is part of the journey can be empowering.
“As business grows, the team becomes an essential asset. Entrepreneurs often face challenges in hiring the right people and maintaining a positive work culture. The lesson here is to prioritize hiring individuals who align with the company’s values and vision, fostering a collaborative environment.
“Entrepreneurs often find themselves working long hours, leading to burnout. A key lesson here is learning to delegate, set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Managing time effectively and taking breaks is essential for long-term success.”
Growing from Strength to Strength
Oyenawethu recalls how cleaning the house of a well-known public figure who believed in her work gave her the confidence she needed to thrive and spread her wings as a female entrepreneur.
However, her greatest success is the fulfillment that comes from helping disadvantaged and underserved members of her community.
“One of my greatest passions is Love and Light, a foundation that provides funding, support, or services to charitable causes, such as education, healthcare, poverty relief, building bridges in rural areas and building old age homes.
“The foundation is also involved in building schools in rural areas, supplying hygiene packs in schools to feed at least 100 families daily as well as building houses for the needy as well as championing environmental protection.”
Forging Ahead
Reflecting on the journey she has travelled so far as an entrepreneur, Oyenawethu can draw inspiration from the many lessons she has learnt along the way.
“One of the most significant lessons in entrepreneurship, particularly in the cleaning industry,
is consistency and trust build a business faster than just innovation. The lesson that I learned is that while new technology, marketing strategies, and business models can give you an edge, the cleaning industry thrives on trust, reliability, and customer relationships.
“A business that consistently delivers quality service, shows up on time, and maintains strong communication will outlast competitors, even those with more advanced tools or lower prices. This has shaped my approach and leadership skills by prioritizing customer experience over quick profits.
“Very early on, I realized that retaining customers is cheaper than acquiring new ones. Instead of chasing one-time gigs, I focused on long-term contracts and repeated business. The biggest game-changer in the cleaning industry is not just cutting-edge technology or aggressive marketing—it’s trust, reliability, and consistent quality.”
