The past 10 months have been tough and rewarding for a local rooibos tea entrepreneur, but he still harbours hope for the future.
Vusumzi Mokoena’s Mavusana Premium Rooibos Tea was recently nominated as one of the Top 16 youth-owned brands in South Africa, claiming a top three position in the beverage category of the competition.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards is an initiative of Pat On Brands, aimed at recognising the contribution made by youth-owned businesses to the South African economy.
“We are very grateful and honoured to have been recognised nationally,” Mokoena said. “This means our brand is being noticed by others.”
Mavusana is stocked and sold at various establishments in and around Stellenbosch, including the Stelkor Pharmacy, Paul Roos Spar, the CoCreate Hub Stellenbosch, Magnolia Guest House and Mont Angelis Guest House.
“The goal was always to start in my hometown and then expand nationally, especially the hospitality industry,” Mokoena said. “We would like to expand into more retail stores, but at the moment the 90-day-clause in the retail industry puts a slight halt on small businesses like ours.”
He says he would like to supply local businesses with Mavusana and create more brand awareness. “We need local businesses and offices to buy into the vision of our product and stock it in their kitchens at work. We are more than capable to deliver around Stellenbosch and they can get the product instantly.”
Mokoena says his recent meeting with Stellenbosch Mayor Gesie van Deventer was one of the highlights of his business. “Meeting the mayor was very nice, we had a great chat and I hope by her indorsing the brand it can become the tea of Stellenbosch,” he added.
This young entrepreneur’s message to other young people who would like to start their own business is to simply start.
“Don’t worry about the money, just start. After you have started someone will ask you about the website – then you build a website, after that they will ask for a logo – then create one. The rest will follow.
