Like any long-standing business, Spotless Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services has faced its share of challenges, particularly around access to finance. Historically, funders have overlooked their operations, misjudging them as a small, unsophisticated business without taking the time to visit and understand their capabilities. For decades, the family relied on personal savings, short-term loans, and overdrafts to fund their operations and invest in equipment.

“Funders have not taken the time to see us beyond a ‘mom and pop shop,’” Kanyi explains candidly. Despite this, the business has persevered. Most recently, the approval of Seda Asset Assist funding has provided a glimmer of relief. Additional challenges, such as exceeding municipal electrical load capacity, further highlight the uphill battle small businesses face. Yet, the family remains optimistic and driven. “We believe in our business and push through… Sell a kidney perhaps,” she jokes, underscoring their resilience and humour in the face of adversity.

Spotless Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services’ success is deeply intertwined with their love and commitment to their community. The MontPea Foundation, launched on their matriarch’s 80th birthday, is just one example of the family’s ethos of giving back. In one of Mthatha’s most underserved communities, Phola Park, the family has sponsored sports programs and life-skills workshops aimed at supporting young people and steering them away from crime and drugs.

“We are a BIG sporting family,” Kanyi shares, proudly highlighting the business’ involvement in initiatives that promote discipline and teamwork. With the support of Spotless CSI and the MontPea Foundation, they have created hope and opportunity in a community often plagued by hardship.

What truly sets the business apart is its unwavering loyalty to its employees. Staff members are not just workers; they are family. From paying above minimum wage to supporting their staff’s personal goals, Spotless has cultivated a team that stays for decades.

Mr. Galada, who started working with the founders in 1981, will soon semi-retire after 43 years of dedicated service. “He has helped train new talent, built a home for his family, and seen his children graduate from university—all while contributing to the success of this business,” shares the family. This culture of respect and care has led to exceptionally low staff turnover, with employees often retiring from Spotless rather than seeking work elsewhere.

Throughout their journey, the Spotless Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services has relied on strong partnerships, including their long-standing relationship with Lead Laundry. Since their first purchase of equipment in 1981, Lead has been a dependable partner, providing reliable Speed Queen washers, dryers, and Tullis machines that form the backbone of their operations.

“We trust Selby and Gary for advice because they’ve seen our battles and even my tears,” says Kanyi. While older machines have required refurbishments and occasional delays in parts, the team’s resourcefulness and commitment to maintenance have ensured the equipment continues to serve them well.

As the Spotless Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services looks to the future, their aspirations reflect their deep commitment to both their employees and their community. “My hope is to eventually co-own the business with our staff,” says Kanyi, highlighting a vision that prioritises people over profit.

While the thought of selling has crossed their mind, the fear of employees being displaced keeps them rooted in their mission. “Our staff are mostly uneducated, but they have invaluable skills they learned here. Who will hire them if I give up?“

Spotless Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services operates on values of integrity, hard work, and service with a smile. Their sustainability practices, including water reticulation systems, water tanks, and minimal waste processes, reflect a growing awareness of environmental responsibility—a necessity in today’s economy.