Sustainable practices has become an increasingly prominent theme within agriculture. Sellers of agricultural products lean heavily on the term to reach consumers. Yet, what is meant by sustainability? In this installment of Letsema Talks, we speak to Will Coetsee, the managing director of Botanica Natural Products, a private agri-business based in Alldays, Limpopo. Coetsee tells […]

In the latest installment of Letsema Talks, we talk to Luke McLachlan and Robert Crichton, CEO and Operations Manager at South African chemicals solutions manufacturer Cirebelle about the challenges, and opportunities, posed by running a manufacturing business in the COVID-19 era. Letsema Talks · How a manufacturing business has adapted to the COVID-19 era To […]

In our first episode of Letsema Talks, we speak to Letsema CEO Derek Thomas about what an SME need to become viable exporters, based on his experience working with Cirebelle, a chemicals solutions manufacturer. Our conversation follows Derek’s recent article, Five on how an SME can become a successful exporter. Letsema Talks · Letsema Talks: […]

Ten years ago, Letsema acquired an SME called Cirebelle. The firm is a exporter and manufacturer in the specialty chemicals value chain, and at the time had 12 employees. Cirebelle provides invaluable insights into the requirements for successfully exporting as an SME from a developing country that is far away from major markets. Developing countries […]

Shifting consumer values in the personal care industry have led to ructions within the market. Established firms are changing their operating model and product lines to meet new consumer demands, particularly for natural and sustainable products. Cirebelle, the chemicals solutions provider and part of Letsema, has already made moves in this direction to adjust to […]