Kasi SME Summit Finalist Interview: Priscilla Ramalatsa

Kasi SME Summit Finalist Interview: Priscilla Ramalatsa. Founder of Priscilla R Foods, Priscilla Ramalatsa has been announced as one of the finalists of the Kasi SME Summit 2025. A summit that aims to explore how township entrepreneurs can move from short-term survival to long-term sustainability. We had an insightful conversation with Priscilla and she shared with us how the Summit has supported her growth and business development. Check it out below.

What inspired you to start Priscilla R, and what is your mission?

The genesis of Priscilla R foods was not merely a business idea, it was a divine burden,
born out of compassion for those whose lives depend on what they eat. I was deeply
moved by the silent suffering of the immunocompromised, pregnant women, toddlers and
the elderly, individuals who are often forced to choose between nourishment and survival
because so much of what is on the market is laced with harmful preservatives, artificial
additives, and empty calories.

I wanted to build a brand that restores dignity to eating, where every product becomes a
source of healing, strength, and vitality. Priscilla R foods exists to be more than just a
name on a label, it is a movement towards clean, honest nutrition that protects life and
celebrates wellness in its purest form.

Our mission is to pioneer a new era of conscious consumption in Africa, crafting
preservative-free, nutrient-rich foods that empower the body, honor creation, and bring
hope to every household. At the heart of Priscilla R foods lies one sacred conviction: Food
should never be a thread to life, it should sustain, restore, and elevate.

What major obstacles have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?

The entrepreneurial journey, for me has been both a battlefield and a classroom of
business acumen. One of the greatest obstacles I faced was navigating an industry that
often underestimates women, especially young, African women, who dare to dream
beyond societal limitations. There were seasons when resources were scarce, doors were
shut, and the vision seemed too vast for the means at hand. But I refused to surrender to
discouragement.

I overcame by anchoring myself in purpose and divine conviction. I reminded myself that
Priscilla R foods was not just a business, it was a calling. Each challenge refined my vision,
strengthened my resilience, and deepened my creativity. I learned to innovate in scarcity,
to find opportunity in rejection, and to turn every ‘no’ into divine redirection.
Another major hurdle was changing public perception, teaching consumers to trust
healthier, preservative-free alternatives. It took patience, education, and unwavering
consistency. Today I look back and realize that every obstacle was an ingredient in the
recipe of destiny, each trial preparing me to lead with wisdom, courage, and unshakable
faith.

How has the Kasi SME Summit helped shape your business approach?

The Kasi SME summit was a transformative experience that reshaped how I think, plan,
and executive as an entrepreneur. Winning R20 00o and receiving intensive business
training from University of Pretoria powered by Standard Bank, became a pivotal turning
point for Priscilla R foods. It provided not just capital, but clarity on strategy, structure
and sustainability.

The summit challenged me to move from instinctive entrepreneurship to data-driven
decision making. It sharpened my understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior,
and operational excellence. Most importantly, it taught me how to build systems that
allow the business to grow beyond me.
The Kasi SME Summit didn’t just refine my business model, it refined my mindset. It
helped me to see Priscilla R foods not only as a brand but as a scalable enterprise with the
potential to redefine healthy eating in Africa and beyond. That experience gave me the
confidence, tools, and discipline to compete, not just locally, but on a global stage.

Which mentorship or guidance from the Summit has been most impactful?

The entire Kasi SME Summit experience was a mentorship in itself. Every session,
interaction, and lesson from the University of Pretoria shaped how I think and operate as
a business leader. The program refined my understanding of structure, scalability, and
financial intelligence. It challenged me to approach Priscilla R foods with a sharper, more
strategic mindset, one that balances passion with precision, and vision with execution.

How has the Summit helped increase awareness of Priscilla R in Limpopo and nationally?

The Kasi SME Summit elevated Priscilla R foods to a whole new level. A highlight was the
exclusive interview powered by Standard bank which unlocked further opportunities,
including features on Capricorn FM and other prominent platforms. This exposure
significantly increased brand visibility, strengthened credibility, and positioned Priscilla R
foods as a rising force in the food and beverage industry, opening doors to partnerships,
wider markets, and lasting growth.

Can you share a moment from the Summit that stood out as transformative?

A truly transformative moment from the Kasi SME Summit was standing on a national
stage and sharing my business vision in front of multitudes of entrepreneurs. It was more
than exposure, it was a defining experience that sharpened my confidence, refined my
message, and confirmed that Priscilla R foods belongs to the national stage as a brand
with purpose, innovation and ambition.

How will you use the lessons learned to grow your business?

The lessons learned from the Kasi SME Summit will be the blueprint for scaling Priscilla R
foods. I plan to integrate the insights on structure, scalability, and financial discipline into
every facet of the business, from production efficiency to market expansion. These lessons
empower me to build systems that ensure sustainable growth, strengthen brand
positioning, and expand our reach nationally and beyond. Ultimately, they transform
challenges into opportunities and vision into measurable impact.

How is your business contributing to local economic or social development?

Priscilla R foods contribute to local, economic and social development by creating
sustainable opportunities and redefining healthy living. We source quality ingredients
locally wherever possible, supporting farmers and small suppliers. Through job creation
and skills development, we empower communities economically while fostering a culture
of health and wellness. Our preservative-free products also addresses a critical social need,
providing safe, nutritious food options for the vulnerable groups such as the immune
compromised, pregnant women, toddlers, and the elderly. In doing so, we are not just
building a business, we are building a healthier, stronger future for our community and
nation.

What did pitching at the Summit teach you about storytelling and presentation skills?

Pitching at the Kasi SME taught me that story telling is as critical as the business itself. It’s
not enough to have a great product, you must be able to convey your vision in a way that
inspires, connects, and compels action. I learned how to structure a narrative that speaks
to both the heart and the mind, and how presentation is a powerful tool for building
credibility and influence. That experience sharpened my ability to communicate Priscilla R
foods purpose with clarity, passion and strategic impact.

What advice would you offer other aspiring entrepreneurs in Limpopo?

To aspiring entrepreneurs in Limpopo, my advice is simple but powerful.
Embrace clarity of vision, relentless discipline, and courageous action. Your idea is only as
strong as your ability to execute it. Invest in understanding your market, build systems that
can scale, and never underestimate the power of networking and continuous learning. Most
importantly, believe in your capacity to transform challenges into opportunities.
Entrepreneurship is not just about building a business, it’s about building a legacy that
elevates not only you but your entire community.