Reabetswe Maungwa first fell in love with cooking while stirring pots in her grandparents’ kitchen in Rustenburg, North West. Today, she is the proud of owner of 1019 Sauce, a company that specialises in a selection of chili sauces that range from mild, hot and extra hot.
Before mixing and blending what many customers call the perfect balance of hot sauces, Maungwa worked in Ghana for a wine distribution company.
“I loved the flavours of West African cuisine, especially the habanero pepper. It inspired me to explore natural, flavourful cooking,” she recalls.
The unexpected Covid outbreak cut her stay in Ghana short and she was forced to return to back to panic-driven South Africa and without a job. “It was a scary time but also a period of introspection.”
Back in Rustenburg, she embarked on a journey of rediscovery, experimenting in her kitchen and crafting a sauce recipe that would become the heart of 1019 Sauce.
“The pandemic forced me to pivot and explore new opportunities. It was during this time that I developed the recipe for 1019 Sauce – a blend of bell peppers, paprika, jalapeno, and a dash of nostalgia,” she says.
Multiple market presence
Market access proved to be a daunting hurdle, with misconceptions hindering the sauce’s shelf presence.
“The support from the Tlhabanians Market [in Rustenburg] was pivotal. They not only provided equipment but also believed in my vision. It was a community effort that fuelled my journey,” she explains.
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Despite initial struggles, Maungwa’s sauces are now stocked in two Spar stores in Midrand and Randburg. Additionally, her products are available in three other stores in Randburg, as well as in four other locations in Bryanston, Lanseria, Sandton, and Phokeng.
1019 Sauce stands as more than just a condiment. Maungwa says it is a celebration of South African flavours. “My sauces are a labour of love, crafted with care and passion.”
“With dedication and determination, even the humblest of beginnings can lead to extraordinary success… It’s not just about the sauce – it’s about the story.”
Maungwa’s top five tips for agripreneurs
- Invest in appealing packaging: Focus on visually attractive packaging, as it can draw customers in and potentially lead to sales before they even know what the product is.
- Prioritise marketing: Marketing is crucial for business success. Investing in marketing efforts or seeking assistance can greatly benefit your business.
- Consider outsourcing manufacturing. Don’t try to handle manufacturing alone. Seek help from experts or outsource the manufacturing process to professionals to ensure efficiency and quality.
- Utilise in-store promotions: In-store promotions can be highly effective for increasing visibility and sales. Don’t hesitate to approach stores and ask if they’re interested in stocking your product or offering promotions.
- Manage ESD programmes wisely. While entrepreneurship support and development (ESD) programmes can be helpful, don’t let them consume too much of your time. Focus primarily on running your business efficiently.
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