Phila Zulu is cracking social upliftment one nut at a time [Watch]

Driven by a desire to help children in need, Phila Zulu is determined to establish a profitable business that will fund his non-profit organisation.

The Shakaville resident launched Izwi Lothando in 2013, but soon realised he was not generating sufficient funding to make a significant impact.

So he started Phila Zulu Trading, a peanut butter business and clothing label.

“I had to think creatively of other ways to generate an income for my non-profit organisation, so a for-profit business was the way to go.

Making peanut butter was my best option because I can easily make it, use it for food parcels and also sell it to support the children,” said Zulu.

The 38-year-old philanthropist was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year at this year’s iLembe Chamber Entrepreneur competition.

Speaking at the finals of the competition, he thanked the Courier for an article on his business in January that sparked a huge growth in sales.

Through his non-profit organisation Zulu identified more than 50 children from township schools who needed help.

Most are orphans and others are from poor families. Zulu helps them with food parcels, which include jars of nutritious peanut butter.

“I spoke with their teachers about the use of their school gardens to plant the nuts. I was joined by Agness Chingavo, and we managed to obtain a 5-litre peanut butter-making machine,” said Zulu.

After their first harvest in April last year, they began producing peanut butter.

Zulu, who also runs a construction company, said 28 of the children will spend time at an agricultural college where they will learn more about nut farming.

“On their return they will use the knowledge in growing the business.”

Although they will be funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Zulu said they will also rely on the peanut butter business to support themselves.

“This peanut butter business is for them and other poverty-stricken children, so it is important that they know how to run it themselves,” said Zulu.

They currently supply local tuckshops and take orders from residents around KwaDukuza.

A 5-litre bucket costs R430 and a 500ml jar R40. To order, contact Zulu at 082 515 1701.

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