When most of us think of Stellenbosch, we think of rolling green hills and spills of wine dreams. Soon, however, we might just associate it as a tea king’s potential empire.
Local Stellenbosch man and flourishing entrepreneur Vusumzi Mokoena who hails from Kayamandi, expresses that his take on rooibos might just become everyone’s cup of tea.
Mokoena was set a mission: to find out more about one of South Africas favourite teas and the second giant in our tea politics in tops of tea-drinking options.
He quested to investigated the tea-drinking habits of the town as IOL confers, after a company that produced delicious favoured rooibos imaginings called upon him for tea investigation duty.
“Upon doing that research, I discovered that people just purchased rooibos and do not care about the brand I figured that I can make tea bags for them at an affordable price,” the tea legend tells.
Tea, but it’s brewed locally and with good pricing at heart? Serve us a cup, stat.
Now, Mokoena is a cashier at a pharmacy who is able to raise capital and explore flavours that would brew buyers interests. He expresses to young entrepreneurs that it’s about starting where you are.
The brand name is Mavusana Premium Rooibos tea, with Mavusana loosely translating to ‘one who rebuilds.’
Why rooibos and not another kind of tea you might ponder? Rooibos is caffeine-free and has a sweeter allure than ‘normal’ tea. Additionally, we are the only country that grows rooibos naturally, so why not capitalise on home-grown tea dreams?
“Countries like China, United Kingdom and the United States have tried to grow it, but failed, he expresses.”
Rooibos is as unique to South African food and drink culture as “milk tart, mogodu and bunny chows,” writes Food for Mzanzi.
Currently, he and a friend are selling the tea door-to-door in Stellenbosch, and offer courier endeavours, but he hopes to see his product on the shelves soon.
Why is this venture important?
Given the unique gem that is rooibos tea, seeing it focused on in a more localised sense is important because it takes away from the constitution of big brand mantras. It can be more specially developed, becomes more affordable and helps South Africans rise in a focus beyond export culture. Local is lekker, as we at Cape {town} Etc will stand on the hill bellowing, and start-ups like this remind locals that while our ingredients can be enjoyed the world-over, they should also be shared within our country with the fruits of labour enjoyed locally.
Picture: Pinterest
