For Natasha Zantsi, tea is more than a beverage; it’s a moment of connection. From her roots in Butterworth to the tea-processing farms of the Western Cape, Zantsi’s journey highlights the importance of quality sourcing and authentic storytelling.
Tea carries meaning across many spaces: from high teas with hats and heels to friends and family sharing tea and biscuits. In Nguni culture, it holds a special place: for ooMakoti, serving tea to her new in-laws is often the first step into her family, a gesture of respect, gratitude, and togetherness.
It was this concept of tea that inspired Zantsi from Jojweni, Butterworth, Eastern Cape, to start a brand rooted in giving, service, and honouring the heritage.
The joy of serving inspires a tea business
Zantsi got married in 2020, and stepping into her new family, she experienced the warmth that is central to Nguni communities. In these traditions, marrying someone means joining not just your spouse, but the entire household.
She says hosting brings her joy, and the excitement of preparing for others lies at the heart of who she is, whether it’s family or visitors. And tea is a central part of it.
“For me, sipping tea is a moment of pause, a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect,” she explains.
“To the people we serve, tea represents comfort, togetherness, and care. It is often shared during meaningful conversations, celebrations, or quiet moments of rest.”
Natasha Zantsi
In 2022, Zantsi launched her brand, Makoti Premium Rooibos Tea, sourcing quality rooibos from Clanwilliam in the Cederberg region in the Western Cape.
Related stories
Recipes: Fresh herbs and fruit bring homemade iced tea to life
Indigenous farmers see little gain from rooibos agreement
Still locked out: The bitter aftertaste of SA’s honeybush tea industry
Producing a quality tea brand
For her, quality is everything. Selecting the best rooibos means handling it with utmost care to preserve its nutrients and unique herbaceous flavour.
She explains, “Our rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) shrubs are carefully harvested, bound into bundles, and transported to the factory for cutting.”
What truly sets their rooibos apart, she adds, is the natural fermentation process, overseen by an expert tea-maker, producing the deep ruby-red colour and smooth, distinctive taste the tea is known for.
Zantsi also values working with farmers who specialise in organic farming, and the Cederberg rooibos farm she sources from has provided exactly that quality.
“I understand the importance of consuming organic products, not only for taste but for healing and nourishing our bodies.”
The care behind Makoti Premium Rooibos Tea
Zantsi is primarily involved in the packaging stage of her tea business. She says that, fortunately, her supplier has a dedicated packaging facility, but she remains hands-on to ensure meticulous attention to detail.
“From the selection of the finest tea leaves to the final presentation, I ensure that every element reflects our unwavering commitment to quality.”
For her, packaging must convey both sophistication and elegance, as it serves as an extension of the brand. To maintain consistency, she works closely with her suppliers and implements strict quality control at every stage.
She explains that from sourcing organically grown rooibos to overseeing fermentation and packaging, each batch is carefully checked to meet their standards for flavour, aroma, and appearance.
“This allows us to deliver the same experience in every cup.”
Her personal favourite is the classic rooibos blend. “It holds deep meaning for me because it reflects simplicity, tradition, and comfort. It reminds me of family gatherings, conversations with elders, and the warmth of home.”
Serving unity, taste and memories
Zantsi admits that one of the main challenges is placing complete trust in suppliers. This requires thorough research, strong relationships, and continuous communication to ensure her values and standards are upheld. While it can be challenging, it allows her to collaborate with experts who have deep knowledge of tea cultivation and processing.
Zantsi has a big vision for her brand. She tells Food For Mzansi that she hopes that other families can experience the love, warmth, and laughter that come with sharing tea.
At the moment, she sells her tea via social media and shipping orders to customers nationwide, and has yet to establish a retail presence. She envisions it being served in homes, celebrations, and cultural gatherings.
“I hope to see Makoti Premium Rooibos Tea grow into a household name that is recognised for honouring tradition while embracing modern wellness.”
Zantsi’s tips for aspiring agripreneurs:
- Build your brand around a genuine story or need to connect authentically.
- Choose suppliers and farmers who share your values and maintain transparency.
- Understand how your product is grown, harvested, and processed to ensure quality.
- Focus on packaging to presentation, ensuring that care and consistency show in the final product.
- Allow your brand to develop naturally while staying committed to learning and improvement.
READ NEXT: Rooibos: The heart-healthy tea that’s backed by science
