Soap pioneer’s legacy lives on through granddaughter

In the heart of Rehoboth’s Block E community, a humble backyard still brims with the legacy of a remarkable woman. Welfrieda Beukes, a pioneering entrepreneur and devoted mother, began Budget Soap Manufacturers CC in 1996 in her home, driven by a desire to provide for eight children, four of her own and four of her late sister’s. Also known as 'Mietjies' and 'Frieda', Beukes passed away on 16 August 2021, but her vision lives on.Today, her granddaughter Grace Scott proudly carries the torch.“My grandmother filled the role of both grandma and grandpa,” says Scott. “She was a woman of unmatched strength, wisdom and courage, my daily inspiration.”What started in a modest home has grown into a recognised brand in Rehoboth, supplying local shops such as Volkswinkel Spar and Dolphin Fish & Chips.Scott, who now leads the company’s marketing and administration, feels both pride and a sense of duty.“For a vibrant and keen-eyed young lady, it was just the right thing to do,” she explains. “We want to build on what granny started – to not just grow a business but create real impact.”Determined to grow Although production remains small-scale, hopes are high. The backyard setup is limited, and the company is actively seeking land to build a larger, better-equipped facility.“We are praying for favourable conditions within our town council, so that Budget Soap Manufacturers can become landowners,” says Scott. “With support from both local and international investors, we can create more permanent jobs and uplift families throughout Rehoboth and Namibia.”Budget Soap currently employs seasonal youth from the community, rotating opportunities to reach more households. However, the road has not been without obstacles. The team still dices fat manually, lacks essential industrial equipment and battles logistical challenges without a reliable vehicle.“The biggest ingredient in our soap is fat, but we don’t have a fixed supplier,” Scott explains. “We are also in dire need of a bakkie to deliver our soap across the country.”Enduring voice of hopeDespite these challenges, the team remains motivated by late Beukes's enduring words.“My granny always said: ‘When you wake up in the morning to operate this business, do it like you are working for someone else and not yourself. Because the moment you tell yourself, Oh, but I am the Boss', the tendency to relax and not put in extra efforts goes from 0 to 100.’”Scott's vision for the future is clear: grow the business, create sustainable jobs and carry on her grandmother’s dream with pride.Budget Soap products are currently made in various sizes based on customer preferences, and discussions with potential partners are ongoing. “We are exploring options to expand, attract investors and ultimately make this a nationally recognised brand," she adds.Every bar of soap not only contains the ingredients for cleanliness but also a direct connection to a legacy built on love, resilience and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.

Soap pioneer’s legacy lives on through granddaughter

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-04

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Soap pioneer’s legacy lives on through granddaughter

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-04

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