LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Unipro Protective Wear, a South African business specializing in the manufacture of bullet-resistant vests for the defence and security sectors
Thozama Ledidi is the founder and managing director of Unipro Protective Wear in South Africa, a business specializing in the manufacture of bullet-resistant vests for the state, security companies, and other private sectors. She graduated from the University of the Free State and has a political Science Degree. In 2014, Thozama established a combat uniform and protective wear manufacturing company. After operating Unipro Protective Wear for 4 years, she then saw a need for defence products, and that’s when she decided to do her research on needed products within the defence industry. She then found her niche in the manufacturing of bullet-resistant vests. Today, her business has created jobs for 26 people.
Lioness Weekender spoke to the enterprising Thozama Ledidi about her business, the importance of finding your niche in business, and the power of networking to keep building.
What does your company do?
We specialise in the manufacturing of bullet-resistant vests for the state, security companies, and other private sectors.
What inspired you to start your company?
There are very few African female entrepreneurs who manufacture defense products, and that's where I saw a need and found the niche for my company. I also established that there was a shortage of companies that manufacture bullet-resistant vests.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Soft armor bullet-proof vests are designed to protect against handgun ammunition and are typically made from flexible materials such as Kevlar or other advanced synthetic fibers. These vests are commonly used by law enforcement personnel, security professionals, and civilians who require protection against firearms.
There are only a very few bullet-resistant vest manufacturers within South Africa, and that on its own is a benefit, as competition is limited. Our unique selling points are that we’re compatible with bigger industry role players that have been around for years and that our product quality assurance, workmanship, and testing speak for themselves.
One advantage to our customers is that we offer a two-year guarantee on the workmanship of the product and our product lifespan can last up to 8 (eight) years. We also offer on-site measuring services to our end users to ensure that the manufactured product covers all necessary organs and is comfortable for the end user.
Tell us a little about your team:
The Unipro team is more like a family to me. Our team is very dedicated and committed to achieving one goal, which is to retail a good company reputation and to get our deliveries out on time. We also provide training to a lot of female employees for them to feel empowered.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I grew up in the Free State, and initially opened a boutique store in Centurion. Thereafter, I opened another company in 2014 which is Unipro Protective Wear, a combat uniform and protective wear manufacturing company. I realised that there was only one black-owned bullet-proof manufacturing company around Gauteng. I approached the company intending to learn more about the product and the process of manufacturing bullet-resistant vests. The owner of that company was more than willing to assist me in showing the process of how a bullet-resistant vest is manufactured. Thereafter, I started tendering and was awarded a contract to supply the SAPS Nationally, We have now also received more orders from other departments such as the SANDF, Border Management Authority, and the Gauteng community safety department. Unipro Protective Wear has now been in operation for 10 years.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We would like to start manufacturing other items that we have been outsourcing, such as ceramic plates for the bullet-proof vests and plastic sealing machines. We plan to cut the outsourcing costs. We have been participating in exhibitions through the DTIC, and have received exposure, which will assist us in exporting our products to other African countries and the rest of the world.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Knowing that I have contributed in creating employment in our country and that I also contributed to protecting our South African Army, Police, and Border Guard.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
I would advise other female entrepreneurs to not limit themselves when it comes to networking. Networking provides opportunities to learn from others in different industries and also provides ideas on how to improve your company with new technologies. Never doubt your ability to achieve what might seem impossible.
Find out more:
Address: info@uniprowear.co.za
Website: http://www.uniprowear.co.za
