For Mpho Mohaswa, helping people is at the core of her ginger beer business. A chemical engineer by profession, Mohaswa decided to go into agriprocessing and launched Precious and Pearl Brands.
Born and bred in Burgersfort in Limpopo, Mohaswa has nearly a decade’s experience in the oil and gas industry. “Before my journey as an entrepreneur, I used to work for a gas company as a business developer. I’m a qualified chemical engineer by profession, with nine years of experience in the oil and gas industry.”
Ghemere is Mohaswa’s range of ginger beer infusions that she sells under the Precious and Pearl Brands. She describes the infusion as “rooted in taste” and as centered in tradition, friendship, family, and ubuntu.
“Precious and Pearl Brands was born on a quest to preserve a traditional recipe and to make it a household brand. We are on a path to proving that a previously non-commercialised product can become a household brand.”
The ghemere infusions are non-alcoholic ginger beer, something Mohaswa says is entrenched in South African culture. Her infusions are sold in one, two, and five-litre packages, and she even has 330 ml ready-to-drink cartons.
“[Ginger beer] has its roots deeply planted in South African heritage, tradition, and culture. For many years, the ginger drink has played an important role in molding our culture and how we celebrate in South Africa. Many of us grew up drinking ghemere at weddings, parties, as a special treat at home, as well as at funerals and during Christmas celebrations.”
The ups and downs of a ginger beer business
Mohaswa says that she faces the same primary challenge most small businesses face; a lack of funding. Despite this, the brand has been growing.
“We are a brand that is focused on social, financial, and environmental impact. We like working with youth in the townships for employment.”
The ghemere products, says Mohaswa, work on a reseller model. This is one way the brand makes a social impact.
“With Covid-19, this model has been able to help a lot of families who have lost jobs and taken pay cuts. That’s what’s rewarding for us.”
She lists her family and friends as her daily motivation. She says her story is one many township entrepreneurs can relate to.
Mohaswa’s top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Start where you are with what you have. You can’t eat an elephant all at once.
- Achieving success is not easy. The road to success is always under construction and life is never a straight line.
- If you look hard enough, you are sure to find hidden gems of opportunity.
- Whatever happens, do not give up. All things are difficult before they are easy.
ALSO READ – Agripreneur 101: Fiery atchar maker shares his secrets
Get Stories of Change: Inspirational stories from the people that feed Mzansi.
