BUILDING COMMUNITIES TODAY, FOR TOMORROW'S FUTURE

Setšong Tea Crafters is an Award Winning Agri-business and vehicle for development of natural indigenous flora found in the natural landscapes of South Africa, more prominently within the rural areas of Limpopo. The enterprise stimulates the economy in a collaboration with rural cooperatives from Limpopo developed by a community development organization; Siyaphila Youth Support Services.

South Africa is the 3rd most Bio-diverse country in the world, with many of its biological resources existing within rural landscapes of the country. These biological resources have been used for many decades, within traditional knowledge systems to build and strengthen the body, nourish and rejuvenate the skin and heal ailments. Most of the knowledge of these indigenous resources lies with the elderly members of rural communities. Setšong Tea Crafters aims to provide a voice to these traditional knowledge holders and preserve this knowledge for future generations.

Through Tea product manufacturing and commercialisation of South Africa's indigenous resources which stem from traditional knowledge, Setšong Tea Crafters aims to develop the rural economy and create jobs within the rural areas of South Africa. Setšong Tea Crafters has already created 20 jobs in rural Sekhukhune, Limpopo.

The unique indigenous tea plants identified by Setšong Tea Crafters, traditionally known as Tepane Tea and Diya Tea amongst others, have proved to stand a chance at competing with existing global tea varieties with them offering unique and enjoyable taste profiles and superior health benefits.

The tea varieties identified have been consumed for over five generations by the elderly members of  the Bapedi tribe in Sekhukhune which results in a great deal of history and heritage being associated with this tea range.

Setšong Tea Crafters has won the following awards based on its inclusive business model and innovation:

  • Most Progressive SMME by Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce - Global Business Accelerator
  • Bio-Entrepreneur of the year by AfricBio
  • Top Female Run Enterprise at the SA Innovation Summit - SEDA Pitch and Perfect Competition
  • 2nd Runner up in Agro-processing at the Eskom Business Investment Competition
  • Food Lover's Market Seeds of Change winner 2022

 

 

 

 Featured Articles:

Setšong African Tea Crafters triumphs as winner of the Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership

IOL - WATCH: SA indigenous tea maker edges her way into SA cuppa industry

 

City Press - Meet the tea makers of Sekhukhune who honour traditions while building a modern business