Ludwick Marishane is constantly brainstorming fresh solutions to everyday challenges. By grade 11, he had launched his own company, HeadBoy Industries, to design and commercialize new products and services.
When one of his school friends was too lazy to take a bath, it gave Ludwick an idea: what if there was a way to stay clean and hygienic without taking a bath or a shower? From growing up in rural Limpopo, Ludwick understood well that many Africans lacked clean water, and that a clean bath was a rare luxury. Ludwick’s solution came in the form of DryBath<sup>TM<sup>, the world’s first bath-substituting lotion. From his WAP-enabled cell phone, Ludwick researched potential ingredients for DryBath<sup>TM<sup>, which would become a proprietary blend of a biocide, bioflavonoids, and moisturizers – and would later make him South Africa’s youngest patent holder. With DryBath<sup>TM<sup>, people can bathe without water: they must simply apply the lotion, which kills germs, moisturizes the skin, and leaves a sweet scent. With his idea defined, Ludwick typed his 8,000 word business plan on his cell phone and began mailing it to prospective supporters. DryBath<sup>TM<sup> aims to save the lives of millions of people across the African continent affected by preventable diseases that are caused by poor hygiene and sanitation.
Ludwick has sold thousands of units of Dry Bath in the US/UK – totaling $250,000 in gross sales, and currently has his eyes set on capturing the African market. Today his business has expanded to now include consulting services.
Since his selection as an Anzisha Fellow, Ludwick Marishane has been recognized by several global entities and organizations such as: Fast Company 100 Most Creative People in Business & Innovation (2015 SA Top 50), TIME Magazine 30 people under 30 Changing the World, Forbes 30 under 30 African Young Entrepreneurs, Google’s Zeitgeist Global Brightest Young Entrepreneurs.
He is currently preparing to attend the University of Capetown to acquire a Masters’ Degree in Inclusive-Innovation.
