It’s with great pride to feature a black brother for establishing a company in an industry predominately known to belong to multi-nationals. Nkosana Nxumalo runs a pharmaceuticals company Aluta Healthcare which has exclusive distribution rights to medical products used by hospitals in SA.
Tell us about yourself, when were you born and where are you based?
Born in Carletonville and presently based in Douglasdale (Bryanston)
What is your business all about and what inspired it?
Our business is a medical disposables supply. Working for companies like Tyco, Johnson and Johnson inspired me to start my own business in this field.
What were you doing before launching your business and when was it launched?
It was launch in 2006 and since 2002 I have been doing research on products like Silverlon and other wound care products.
How did you know there is a market for your business?
I have known the product when I was with Johnson & Johnson, before it was sold to Medex in UK.
Besides the three major products (Jelco, Optive and Portex) that you distribute, do you have other products on your portfolio?
Disposable syringes and we are planning to introduce neoprene surgical gloves and suturing material in the next few months
What planning did you engage before launching?
Quality of products, need or demand and what’s in the market (i.e. competition)
How many people do you employ?
We have employed four people in Durban and 14 in Johannesburg.
How are you different from your competitors?
We market our product aggressively and we provide ongoing training to end users, workshops, and presentations.
Do you market your business online?
No, Hospitals don’t buy online.
Given an opportunity to start all over again, what would you do differently in launching your business and why?
I would still do it the same way I started.
Are your products distributed outside the borders of South Africa?
No, we are limited to South African hospitals at present. There is so much demand and we are battling to meet our local demands.
What do you like and dislike about your industry?
This is one industry where one learns new things everyday. One has to be very creative at all times in order to be always in the game. It’s a very expensive business and sometimes government takes long with payments
How do you unwind after a busy day in the office?
Reading, movies and will soon be going back to my golf. Travelling is one of my favourite hobbies (my favourite place is Clarence in the Eastern Free State)
Is your family involved in the business?
My family is not involved in my business, because I prefer the two to be separate.
How do you network to grow your business?
Through medical conferences, and our sales force. We spend a lot on marketing and material such as pens, bags and so on.
What are your short and long-term business plans?
Increasing our product range and forming separate divisions within the company.
Is your business affected by the current economic climate?
No there is always a demand for healthcare irrespective of economic condition.
Company website: www.alutahealthcare.co.za
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