After spending nine years in the oil and gas industry, Mpho Mohaswa transitioned to creating a thriving ginger beer business. Her product, Ghemere, based on a traditional South African recipe, has not only preserved a cultural heritage but also brought convenience and innovation to modern consumers.
From corporate to kitchen
Mpho Mohaswa’s shift from a high-flying corporate career to the culinary craft of ginger beer brewing was driven by personal circumstances. “My husband and I were both travelling a lot, and it was hard to balance starting a family. We had our first child, and our schedules were rough; we decided that one of us had to compromise, and that was me,” she says.
Compromising led to the birth of her ginger beer venture. “Ginger beer, or ghemere, is a special drink for us. It’s essential at weddings and funerals, but a lot of people don’t know how to make it. I wanted to keep this traditional recipe alive and bring convenience to people,” she says.
Experimenting with tradition
Determined to modernise the traditional recipe, Mohaswa began experimenting. “Brewing ginger beer takes a long time and can be frustrating. So, I started playing around with the recipe to see how I could modify it and make it more convenient,” she says.
By 2018, she had moved beyond her kitchen experiments and started treating the Precious & Pearl business seriously. What began in her garage with her as the sole employee has now expanded into a full-fledged enterprise. “We now have eight permanent staff and about 20 people in total, including seasonal workers.”
Breaking into the market
The journey to market was not without its challenges. “Brand credibility was the first hurdle. Breaking into the retail space was tough, especially with the expensive certifications required. Attracting the right talent was also difficult due to budget constraints. Access to funding is another common struggle among small businesses,” she says.
Despite these obstacles, Mohaswa persevered. Her hard work paid off, and her ginger beer began to gain recognition.
“We now supply major retailers like Food Lovers Market nationwide, Shoprite, Checkers in Gauteng and the Northwest, as well as Spar, Pick n Pay, and independent stores. We produce about 10 000 litres per month during peak seasons,” she says proudly.
Empowering women through business
A significant aspect of Mohaswa’s business model is her commitment to empowering young women from local communities through her Power Girl programme.
“We hire young women as merchandisers, sales reps, and in other roles within our production space. This initiative not only provides job opportunities but also gives these women a sense of purpose and belonging,” she explains.
The impact of the Power Girl programme extends beyond employment. “We aim to offer bursaries for young women to further their studies. Some of our employees come from underprivileged families, and through this initiative, we can help them achieve their educational goals.”
Innovating for convenience
Mohaswa’s ginger beer stands out not only for its traditional roots but also for the convenience it offers. “
A lot of people get frustrated by the lengthy brewing process. Our ginger beer is available in both concentrate and ready-to-drink forms. This brings the authentic taste of ghemere to people without the hassle,” she explains.
Mohaswa is focused on solidifying her brand in the retail space. “We want to be known as the go-to ginger beer supplier in the juice space. Our aim is to expand our presence in major retailers and independent stores across South Africa.”
Expansion and innovation
Looking ahead, she has ambitious plans for the business. “In the next five years, we aim to solidify our brand equity in the retail space across South Africa and start exporting to Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. There’s a big market for ginger beer in the US and Europe, and I believe our unique South African taste will be well-received.”
Part of this expansion involves reintroducing flavours. “We initially had pineapple, apple, mango, and orange, along with the original. We plan to bring back mango, orange, and pineapple next year and see how they do in the market,” she says.
Overcoming personal and professional challenges
Balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur has been challenging for Mohaswa. “It’s difficult, especially when you add being an entrepreneur to the mix. Striking a balance between different aspects of life is tough, and at times, sacrifices have to be made,” she admits.
However, she draws strength from her support system. “My family is incredibly supportive. They advocate for my product wherever they go. My husband and kids speak about it any chance they get. That support, along with a strong network of fellow entrepreneurs, keeps me grounded and focused,” she says.
