How Mpho Mohaswa Turned Ghemere into a South African Success Story
How Mpho Mohaswa Turned Ghemere into a South African Success Story. In 2017, Mpho Mohaswa, a chemical engineer from Burgersfort, Limpopo, made a life-altering decision. After nearly a decade in the oil and gas industry, she sought a path that would allow her more family time and personal fulfillment. This quest led her to revive a cherished South African tradition, ginger beer, known locally as Ghemere. Through her company, Precious and Pearl Brands, Mohaswa transformed a homemade beverage into a thriving enterprise, blending cultural preservation with modern convenience.
From Garage Experiments to Market Shelves
Mohaswa’s journey began in her garage, where she spent six months perfecting a ginger beer recipe that honored traditional flavors while catering to contemporary tastes. Recognizing that many South Africans lacked the time or knowledge to brew Ghemere at home, she developed both concentrate and ready-to-drink versions of the beverage. Initial community feedback was instrumental in refining the product, leading to its official launch under Precious and Pearl Brands.
Strategic Market Entry and Expansion
Breaking into the retail market posed significant challenges, including establishing brand credibility and securing shelf space amidst stiff competition. Mohaswa’s persistence paid off when she secured a spot in Food Lovers Market by directly presenting her product to store managers. This initial success opened doors to other major retailers, including Spar, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, and Checkers in Gauteng and North West. Today, Ghemere is also available online through platforms like Takealot.
Empowering Communities Through Entrepreneurship
Beyond business growth, Mohaswa is committed to community upliftment. Her Power Girl programme provides young women with employment opportunities as merchandisers and sales representatives, fostering skills development and financial independence. Additionally, the company’s reseller model enables individuals to earn income by distributing Ghemere, promoting entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Recognition and Awards
Mohaswa’s innovative approach and dedication have garnered numerous accolades. In 2019, she won the Firstwatch Entrepreneur Challenge, receiving R50,000 in prize money, business training, and media exposure. Her achievements have been further recognized with awards such as the Nedbank Business Ignite, Fabulous Women Job Creation Award, and inclusion in Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans.
Scaling Operations and International Outreach
To meet growing demand, Precious and Pearl Brands expanded its operations from a home-based setup to a facility at the Riversands Incubation Hub in Midrand. With support from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa), the company enhanced its production capacity and logistics, including the acquisition of a delivery truck in 2024.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Leverage Personal Experience: Mohaswa’s transition from engineering to entrepreneurship was driven by personal needs, highlighting the importance of aligning business ventures with individual goals and values.
- Start Small, Think Big: Beginning in a garage, she scaled her operations methodically, demonstrating that modest beginnings can lead to substantial growth.
- Engage the Community: Involving the community through employment and reselling opportunities not only supports local economies but also fosters brand loyalty.
- Seek Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like Seda and Sefa provided essential support, underscoring the value of leveraging available resources.
- Adapt Tradition for Modern Markets: By offering convenient formats of a traditional beverage, Mohaswa tapped into a niche market, balancing cultural authenticity with contemporary consumer preferences.
Mpho Mohaswa’s Ghemere journey exemplifies how cultural heritage can be preserved and celebrated through innovative entrepreneurship. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring business owners, illustrating that with passion, resilience, and strategic planning, it’s possible to transform a simple idea into a nationally recognized brand.
