Meet Selaelo Mathekga and Dzumbu Mmbara, the dynamic founders behind Mongato, a groundbreaking underwear brand that's making waves in the world of feminine hygiene. Hailing from Limpopo and currently residing in Gauteng, these innovative entrepreneurs have revolutionized the way people experience their menstrual cycles with their eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
Mongato is not your typical underwear brand; it's designed for individuals who menstruate and is crafted from special absorbent materials that can capture and retain menstrual fluid, eliminating the need for traditional pads or tampons. These remarkable period panties are washable and reusable, making them an eco-conscious choice for managing menstrual flow. What's more, they come in a variety of styles and absorbency levels to cater to different preferences and flow amounts.
The inception of Mongato occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world was grappling with lockdowns and the scarcity of menstrual products.
Selaelo Mathekga and Dzumbu Mmbara recognized this urgent need and decided to take matters into their own hands, birthing the idea for Mongato. Their period underwear features a specially designed absorbent layer and a leak-proof barrier to ensure that one stay dry and comfortable.
Starting a business during a global pandemic presented a multitude of challenges for the duo. Sourcing materials from international suppliers became a complicated task, coupled with limited financial resources and a lack of manufacturing experience. However, Mathekga and Mmbara's adaptability and innovative problem-solving skills allowed them to conquer these obstacles and turn their business dreams into a reality.
Their brand stands out in the world of menstrual products due to its unique combination of comfort, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. It provides reliable protection with a stylish design, making it a smart and eco-conscious choice for managing menstruation.
We asked them if given an opportunity to collaborate with any brand, which one would it be and why: Mathekga and Mmbara expressed a keen interest in partnering with sustainable Fashion Brands catering to women. They believe this partnership would promote the idea of sustainable and stylish menstrual care, offering discounts or bundles for customers who purchase both sustainable clothing and Mongato products.
Their highlights and the Mongato Partners Program:
As for their business highlights, Mongato achieved two significant milestones. They launched their online store in 2021, making their products accessible to a global audience. Furthermore, in October 2022, they opened their flagship store in Ghandi Square, Johannesburg, marking an exciting step in their journey.
Mongato Partners Programme offers a unique opportunity for mutual growth. It has three levels:
- Mongato Partners - Basic: Suitable for everyone, this level includes product packs, fixed discounts, and no order minimums.
- Mongato Partners - Gold: Also available to everyone, with more product packs, monthly order requirements, free delivery, and sliding scale discounts.
- Mongato Partners - Platinum: Exclusive to pre-approved partners, this level features even more product packs, free delivery, branding support, and sliding scale discounts.
Partners can enjoy wholesale discounts ranging from 7% to 20%, promoting business growth and prosperity for both the brand and its collaborators.
Life Beyond Mongato:
When the duo is not immersed in the world of Mongato, Selaelo Mathekga and Dzumbu Mmbara find balance in their lives by spending quality time with their sons. They enjoy gaming and watching adventure movies, proving that even in the busy world of entrepreneurship, there's always time for personal passions and family.