As I stand here today, basking in the remarkable success of my business, Sibocali Traders, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that brought me to this point. Our humble beginnings as processors of indigenous roots like cassava, sweet potato, amadumbe /cocoyam, pearl millet, and cauliflower have transformed into a story of passion, growth, and empowerment.
At Sibocali Traders, we pride ourselves in producing crispy chips, gluten-free and low GI flour, and fermented instant porridge from these indigenous roots. But our mission extends far beyond creating delicious products. We are driven by the desire to uplift and increase income for youth and women in rural areas and township communities across South Africa. By creating a market for these products and developing sustainable farmers, we aim to equip them with the necessary commercial farming skills and support from the Department of Agriculture.
One key element that has fueled our success is our collaboration with local farmers. Together, we have harnessed the potential of our indigenous roots, infusing them with our nutritious indigenous spices to create mouthwatering flavors. The combination of their expertise and our passion for innovation has been a winning recipe.
However, our commitment to excellence doesn’t stop there. We ensure that our manufacturing practices and projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 8. Furthermore, we actively train our suppliers, empowering them to build sustainable businesses of their own. It’s a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond our immediate reach. With ambitious aspirations, we have set our sights on scaling up our operations into different communities in KwaZulu-Natal within the next three years. To help us on this journey, we have been fortunate enough to be part of the DUT CSERI incubation program. The opportunities we have gained through this program have been nothing short of transformative.
During the incubation program, we celebrated numerous milestones. I was honored to receive the prestigious Female Business of the Year award at the Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This recognition not only boosted my confidence but also served as a testament to the dedication and hard work we have poured into Sibocali Traders. In addition, we had the incredible opportunity to showcase our products at a women in business conference in Zanzibar. This international exposure opened doors to new markets and forged valuable connections that have been instrumental in our growth. We have also been equipped with advanced systems and tools, such as the growth wheel, which has become an indispensable asset in our daily operations.
The impact of joining the business incubator has been immeasurable. We have implemented refined processes, revisited our strategies, and witnessed firsthand the positive changes it has brought to our business. The guidance and support we received from DUT CSERI have been instrumental in propelling us forward. I am forever grateful for their assistance in nurturing and developing my business.
Today, Sibocali Traders boasts a team of two dedicated permanent employees and five talented interns, all working tirelessly to take our brand to new heights. As we grow, our vision extends beyond national boundaries. We aim to reach customers not only within South Africa but also on a global scale. The taste of success has only fueled our hunger for more, and we are determined to leave a lasting impact on the world.
In closing, I would like to share a piece of advice with fellow small business owners: Never give up. Build networks, foster collaborations, and embrace the power of resilience. It is through these virtues that we can.
Photographer: Tshayile Media
Photo: From left: CSERI Marketing officer Ms. Snelisiwe Hlongwane, founder of Sibocali Traders Ms. Sibongile Mtsabe and former DUT DVC-RIE Professor Sibusiso Moyo
