Fikile’s amahewu is a taste of tradition

Zululand entrepreneur Fikile Symons turns traditional amahewu into thriving business, sharing her journey at inaugural Rural Summit and empowering youth

1 hour ago

Kaylene Louw 2 minutes read

Mwangase Enterprise (Pty) Ltd owner Fikile Jabulisiwe Symons

Transforming the beloved traditional drink of amahewu into a growing business is Mandlazini Agricultural Village resident and businesswoman Fikile Jabulisiwe Symons.

As the proud owner of Mwangase Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, she produces and sells the authentic maize-based beverage with a twist – a creative infusion of a variety of fruits and healthy vegetables that creates a distinctive, nutritious product while retaining the traditional character of amahewu.

“I am a woman who loves doing things differently. I enjoy taking things from the past and bringing them into the present,” explains Fikile.

Deemed a taste of home, the drink has provided her with an opportunity to create an income for her family and community.

The start of Fikile’s amahewu

Launching as a home-based business this year, Fikile managed to identify a lucrative gap in the market that has allowed her to remain true to her goal of preserving her culture.

In a bid to live out her ambition of showing that traditional products can be transformed into viable modern businesses, she started selling her amahewu from home and at local taxi ranks, networking to supply events, functions and government programmes.

As her local enterprise continues to grow, Fikile remains passionate about teaching the next generation that their culture matters.

She mentors two young people who help her with the business.

Proud to create an opportunity for entrepreneurship, Fikile believes giving them the opportunity to gain practical experience will empower them to use their roots and traditions to help them earn an income.

For Fikile, amahewu represents the possibility of taking something proudly rooted in tradition and turning it into a modern business opportunity.

Her journey to success is a testament to how rural business entrepreneurs can build enterprises around products that are familiar to their communities, while creating opportunities for income generation and youth participation.

Fikile’s amahewu is available in 350ml and 500ml bottles, as well as 1.5 litre, 2 litre, 5 litre, 10 litre and 20 litre containers, allowing her to serve both individual customers and supply larger gatherings.

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