LebzCafé: How Lebohang Nyandeni Brewed Passion in SA’s Coffee Scene

LebzCafé: How Lebohang Nyandeni Brewed Passion in SA’s Coffee Scene. When Lebohang Nyandeni launched LebzCafé in 2021 in Evaton, he did more than start another coffee brand, he gave his community access to specialty freeze‑dried coffee and created opportunity for township entrepreneurship. Today, LebzCafé sells via Pick n Pay and online, supports local vendors with iKoffie carts, and has claimed awards and media acclaim. His story is a masterclass in turning adversity into impact and building a brand rooted in purpose, quality, and community.

A Township Hero Learns Life in Every Cup

Lebohang grew up in Evaton in the Vaal, raised by a single mother alongside five siblings. His entrepreneurial spirit showed early, leading school groups and hosting motivational events. His grandmother taught him coffee; what felt like a chore became a career spark.

After dropping university and roles in content production and retail, Lebohang found his path back to coffee, sparked by a chance connection with a barista. He combined lessons from entrepreneurship training with his township resilience to build his own blend.

Creating a Coffee Brand with Soul

LebzCafé offers balanced freeze‑dried instant coffee designed for real life: “Life is bitter, your coffee shouldn’t be”. By partnering with Cape Town roasters and using quality freeze‑drying methods, he crafted a product that addresses everyday challenges, load shedding, rising costs, without compromise.

He built the brand’s identity with fun, local flair, calling it “iKoffie” and creating vibrant caps, hoodies, and an annual “iKoffie Fest” to connect with customers.

Turning Points That Built Momentum

• Founder Contest: Winning the Amstel Entrepreneur award brought mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities.
• Media Recognition: Profiles on Sunday World and BizNews’s Kasinomics series positioned Lebz as a township trailblazer.
• Retail Placement: Stocking iKoffie in Pick n Pay and Makro ramped up reach and credibility.
• Social Engagement: TikTok and X portray product and personality, showing coffee-making culture and community connection.

Business with a Social Bump

LebzCafé isn’t just about coffee, it’s a platform for township upliftment. Lebohang equips entrepreneurs with coffee carts or bicycle setups offering hot drinks, creating opportunities and economic agency. This social enterprise strategy strengthens the brand and enriches local communities.

Final Thoughts

LebzCafé’s journey shows how a product can brew purpose and profit when grounded in authenticity, quality, strategy, and community. Lebohang Nyandeni proves that a township dream and a hometown cup are enough ingredients to scale a brand to national relevance, one sip and one story at a time.