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Eastern Cape entrepreneur builds thriving business from family colic remedy
Eastern Cape entrepreneur Bandile Fihla revives his mother's business, creating a successful company based on a family colic remedy.
Bandile Fihla, a 41-year-old entrepreneur from Engcobo in the Eastern Cape, has successfully revived his mother's business, transforming it into a thriving enterprise. His company, Masigcobe Holdings, is among the top 16 finalists in the prestigious Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition.
Bandile's entrepreneurial journey began when he reopened his mother's colic remedy business in 2022. Originally founded in 1998, the business was closed in 2010 when his mother retired. "I took over and reopened it because I needed something that could supplement my income and take care of my family," Bandile explains. His decision has paid off, as the business now supplies to SPAR supermarkets and many pharmacies.
Bandile's determination and resourcefulness have seen him through.
Running a business is never without its hurdles. Bandile faced significant challenges, particularly due to loadshedding, which affected their reliance on social media and internet connectivity. Additionally, he had to educate people about colic and the importance of treating it. Despite these obstacles, Bandile's determination and resourcefulness have seen him through.
For those considering leaving their jobs to start a business, Bandile has a practical approach: "I don't advise anyone to leave their job," he says with a laugh. "I'd advise people to start something while they are working. I only quit once my income matched the salary I made from my job." Before venturing full-time into his business, Bandile worked at a clinic, running health campaigns.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Bandile believes he started at the right time. "I started with a lot of maturity and personal development. I had experience beforehand of running a business, "he shares. This experience has undoubtedly contributed to his success in reviving and growing the family business.
The name 'Iyeza LePleyiti' reflects the belief that a child's health complications can be linked to what the mother ate during pregnancy.
The name "Iyeza LePleyiti" is rooted in vernacular terms that describe colic. "Iyeza means medicine, and le pleyiti means plate in IsiXhosa slang," Bandile explains. The name reflects the belief that a child's health complications can be linked to what the mother ate during pregnancy. The natural remedy his business produces offers relief from colic's pain and discomfort, based on a trusted family recipe.
Bandile recently changed his company's name from Iyeza Le Pleyiti Pty Ltd to Masigcobe Holdings. "I want to grow my business and tap into other markets instead of just selling Iyeza Le Pleyiti. I want to havea range of products for kids," he explains. This strategic move signals his ambition to diversify and expand the business.
Running the business largely on his own, Bandile acknowledges the challenges but also finds joy in the process. His wife assists where she can, despite managing her own business. This dynamic duo manages to balance their entrepreneurial pursuits with family life, raising their three children.
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