South Africa’s cleaning products market, valued at $920 million in 2024, is projected to reach $1.13 billion by 2029, driven by heightened hygiene awareness and the long-term impact of COVID-19. Lerato Zulu, founder of ChemWeb, is leading this transformation by combining business acumen with chemical expertise to disrupt the sector. Her entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity after retrenchment, motivating her and her partner to acquire a cleaning chemicals company and build a legacy for their children.
Zulu’s previous experience managing a cleaning services business prepared her for the challenges of launching ChemWeb. Today, the company offers a broad product portfolio covering kitchen, floor, and bathroom care, industrial solutions, and vehicle care. ChemWeb also provides essential accessories such as mops, brooms, and dustpans and offers expertise on safe product handling and best practices.
Her vision is rooted in quality, sustainability, and affordability. All ChemWeb products are manufactured according to ISO-certified standards, ensuring high performance at competitive prices. The company’s emphasis on biodegradable solutions further enhances its appeal, addressing growing consumer demands for environmentally friendly products.
Lerato’s resilience in a male-dominated industry
Operating in a male-dominated industry has posed challenges, but Lerato Zulu has navigated ChemWeb through turbulent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and severe floods in KwaZulu-Natal. Her resilience and determination have allowed the business to recover and thrive. Reflecting on her journey, Zulu highlights her satisfaction from seeing ChemWeb grow despite setbacks.
Beyond product innovation, ChemWeb contributes to South Africa’s economy by creating jobs and offering internship programs for young graduates. Zulu’s leadership demonstrates the potential of women-led businesses to succeed, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue sustainable ventures.
“Our goal isn’t just to sell products—it’s to create meaningful opportunities.” – Lerato Zulu, Founder of ChewWeb
With the market projected to grow steadily, the founder aims to expand ChemWeb’s reach through strategic partnerships, building on its successful collaboration with Makro Online. She plans to extend her product line and explore new retail channels to increase accessibility nationwide, driving business growth and economic impact.
Zulu’s legacy goes beyond commerce—she encourages others, especially women, to embrace community-driven entrepreneurship. “Look around your community, see what’s needed, and offer a solution,” she advises.
