Khayelitsha based entrepreneur Lufefe Nomjana has turned his township bakery into a thriving business producing healthy spinach bread, muffins, sandwiches and juices.
His company, Espinaca Innovations, has started a health revolution in Cape Town’s townships with its innovative Spinach King bread.
“I turned my bakery business into a huge success by growing, baking and selling healthy spinach bread around Khayelitsha. Today, I have franchises and sell my products to SPAR outlets around Cape Town,” he said.
Nomjana came up with the idea of spinach bread while volunteering at a community garden and a local clinic.
“One night, I was thinking about all the resources around me, and I saw a bunch of spinach. I knew nothing about baking, so I went to the library to research. That’s how I developed the idea to bake the best spinach bread in the world,” he said.
Spinach King now employs 12 people with plans to further expand the operations. It
is one of a growing number of agro-processing businesses that is transforming the economy, turning raw farm products into high-value foods that feed families, create jobs and open business opportunities.
Recognised by the government as a key economic sector, agro-processing links farmers to markets and boosts the economy through investment, exports and sustainable employment.
According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the food, beverages and tobacco subsector alone accounts for 20% of manufacturing employment.
It covers everything from dairy and grain milling to meat, fish, fruit and vegetable processing.
It relies heavily on partnerships with agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as downstream players like wholesalers, retailers and restaurants.
The founder of The Native Nosi, Mokgadi Mabela, continues her family legacy by producing organic honey, wax and other by-products.
Most of the honey comes from her more than 450 beehives, while the rest is sourced from rural farmers who lack access to urban markets.
“The name is the best fit to describe and complement the legacy my grandfather and father built, and I plan to continue,” said the Tshwane-based businesswoman.
The Native Nosi integrates honey from rural farmers into its value chain, providing access to urban markets while building community connections.
In Ndwedwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Sinethemba Zwane, director of Sinethembiso Produce, is making her mark in the peanut butter market.
Transforming locally grown organic ground nuts into nutritious peanut butter, Zwane offers families a healthy, protein-rich alternative to imported brands.
“Success starts with a dream, but more importantly, with action. If you can dream it, you can make it,” she said.
By working directly with local farmers, she ensures they have access to urban markets, creating a sustainable value chain while supporting the community.
basetsana@vutivibusiness.co.za
