Retang Phaahla

What does your company do?

Setšong Tea Crafters is a proudly South African, agri-business that specialises in crafting natural, indigenous teas using flora found in the rural landscapes of Limpopo. Harvesting Indigenous Knowledge Setšong works with traditional knowledge holders to preserve and commercialise indigenous herbal teas passed down through generations in Bapedi culture. We turn these traditional herbal remedies into market-ready, health-focused tea products. Community Empowerment: Through partnerships with organizations like SMILE Impact NPC and Siyaphila Youth Support Services, Setšong empowers marginalized women and youth in rural and peri-urban areas by: -Formalising tea harvesting and crafting skills -Supporting handmade tea bag production -Creating sustainable jobs in rural Sekhukhune, Limpopo Product Range Setšong offers an Indigenous Tea Range with functional benefits like: -Strawberry & Fennel Sleep Tea -Chai Spiced Energy Tea -Lemon, Ginger & Cinnamon Flu Tea -Orange Spiced Immunity Tea

What is your biggest success?

Retail Breakthrough Winning the Food Lover’s Market Seeds of Change competition in 2022 was a game-changing moment. As a result, Setšong’s Indigenous Tea Range earned a spot on the shelves of Food Lover’s Market stores nationwide — a huge milestone for a rural-based, female-led social enterprise. This marked mainstream recognition of African traditional knowledge and rural craftsmanship. Cultural & Social Impact Seeing South Africans from all walks of life embrace indigenous tea with pride has helped shift mindsets around traditional healing and natural wellness. Our products are now symbols of heritage, healing, and hope — especially for the communities who harvest and craft them.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Limited Access to Capital & Infrastructure As a rural-based, women-led social enterprise, accessing sufficient funding and infrastructure to scale operations has been a challenge. Building a professional brand presence, maintaining consistent supply, and expanding production have required doing more with less.