Nokwanda Cele: Empowering Through Innovation, Industry, and Skills Development
At the forefront of entrepreneurship and community upliftment in South Africa is Nokwanda Cele, a visionary leader and founder of LitKlean Chemicals, a Durban-based enterprise producing high-quality cleaning and cosmetic products. More than just a businesswoman, Nokwanda is a changemaker committed to economic empowerment through vocational training, youth development, and job creation.
Her journey is a remarkable blend of innovation, resilience, and impact—qualities that have earned her national recognition and a proud nomination as one of the Top 100 Influential Women of 2025.
Building a Brand that Cleans, Cares, and Creates Jobs
LitKlean Chemicals is not only a proudly South African manufacturer of detergents, soap, skincare, and perfumes, but also a symbol of what happens when passion meets purpose. Nokwanda started the company with a clear vision: to create sustainable local products while empowering others with the skills to do the same.
Under her leadership, the company has become known for:
- High-quality, eco-conscious cleaning and beauty products
- Supporting local suppliers and distributors
- Creating jobs and training opportunities for youth and women
- Driving innovation in the South African chemical manufacturing industry
Vocational Training that Uplifts and Empowers
One of Nokwanda’s most impactful contributions is her commitment to skills development. Through her training programs, she empowers aspiring entrepreneurs and unemployed individuals to become self-reliant by teaching them to produce their own products, including:
- Detergents and household cleaners
- Soaps and candles
- Perfumes and natural skincare products
These workshops are designed to be accessible, practical, and scalable—ensuring that graduates can start their own businesses or enhance their employability.
“Empowerment is about more than income—it’s about confidence, independence, and ownership,” Nokwanda shares.
A Recognised Leader on the Global Stage
In 2024, Nokwanda was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow, a prestigious U.S. program that supports young African leaders with training in business, civic engagement, and public management. Her entrepreneurial journey has also earned her several accolades, including:
- Winner of Lions Den SA
- Bambelela Entrepreneurship Award recipient
- Funding recipient from 54 Collective and the Tony Elumelu Foundation
These recognitions are a testament to her business acumen, social impact, and unwavering determination.
Nominated as One of the Top 100 Influential Women of 2025
In 2025, Nokwanda’s tireless work in business and community development was honoured with a nomination as one of South Africa’s Top 100 Influential Women. This milestone celebrates her contribution to:
- Entrepreneurship and manufacturing
- Vocational training and youth empowerment
- Female leadership in science and business sectors
SEO Keywords to Highlight Nokwanda Cele’s Impact
To help spread awareness of her inspiring work and connect her with broader audiences, here are key SEO keywords to use:
- Nokwanda Cele LitKlean Chemicals
- Women in manufacturing South Africa
- Cleaning and cosmetic product manufacturer Durban
- South African vocational training in detergent making
- Mandela Washington Fellow 2024 South Africa
- Entrepreneurial women in chemical industry
- Top 100 Influential Women South Africa 2025
- Skills development and business training SA
- Tony Elumelu Foundation winners 2024
- Youth empowerment through entrepreneurship
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Nokwanda Cele is more than a successful entrepreneur—she is a catalyst for sustainable change. By combining manufacturing innovation with skills development, she is not only creating economic opportunities but inspiring a new generation to believe in the power of self-reliance.
“When we give people the tools to create, we give them the power to thrive.” – Nokwanda Cele
Follow Nokwanda’s journey and discover how you can support or be part of her movement toward economic inclusion, female empowerment, and entrepreneurial growth in South Africa.
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