People often ask, ‘So, how’s business in SA?’ The truth is, I’ve never run a business in Zimbabwe. Everything I speak about comes from what I’ve learned — and lived — right here in South Africa.
Thank you so much, Ntata Victor, for giving me this opportunity to share our story. I appreciate it.
My name is Louisa, and I’m opening up about our business journey in South Africa.
Let me take you back to 2016. From 2017 to 2018, life stood still. Nothing I touched seemed to move forward.
In late 2018, I tried again. I volunteered at the University of Zimbabwe, hoping to bring a food innovation project to life. But it didn’t take off the way I imagined. Tired and disheartened, I gave up on that dream too.
That year, I made a bold move — I quit my job as a Food Technologist at Dairibord and took up a position as a security guard in Dubai. Six months later, I was fired. I returned home with nothing but disappointment… and about $300 to my name.
Then something unexpected happened.
Two years later, he paid lobola. Our families celebrated. So did we.
Four years later, I became Company Director of Seasonings and Condiments. Five years later, we bought our first property — and this time, both our names are on the title deed.
My then-boyfriend — now husband — saw potential in me that I had forgotten. He believed my background in food production and R&D could help his struggling business in South Africa. He had his weaknesses, and so did I. But we had nothing to lose. So I packed up my life and moved to South Africa to give it one last try.
We began building together — working in a tough environment, under his leadership. I wasn’t a director, I wasn’t his wife. I was just a woman trying to make it.
Most days were hard. Money was tight. I was undernourished, as you’ll see in the photo. Some days, even good food was a luxury I couldn’t afford.
Then COVID-19 happened. Strangely enough, it saved me. At the time, our electricity had been cut off — we hadn’t paid rent in 8 months. I remember crawling into my 4th-floor room through a neighbour’s window because the landlord had locked my door for late payment. But still… we kept pushing.
Let’s talk about collaboration — the kind that goes beyond just buying and selling.
In our business, we buy from suppliers… and we also sell to those same suppliers. Especially when it comes to paprika and chillies — my husband, Tich, has mastered the art of aggregate supply of chillies and paprika. He is so damn good! It’s become one of our strongest areas, and today, we’re proud to be among the best in that space.
We mill spices, herbs, animal feeds, and grains.
What started with one small machine from Malawi has now grown into a setup with eight machines — built from pure grit and vision. And we’re not done yet. Once certification is in place, we’re stepping fully into industrial milling.
Working as a couple
Working as a couple is one of the most rewarding yet challenging things you can do.
When both people share the same hunger, passion, and vision, the results can be incredible. But it’s not always easy — disagreements in business often spill over into the home, and if not managed carefully, they can affect your relationship, your children, and even your team. Over the years, I’ve learned that during heated moments, silence is my strength. I pause. I breathe. Because raising voices helps no one. When the dust settles, we come back to the table and talk things through — calmly and respectfully. We have two young children and also have employees and customers watching us. And we’ve come too far to let a disagreement steal our peace.
On ZBIN and Finding My Own Lane
I noticed something on ZIBIN: two or three people were already marketing their spices there. I could’ve tried to be the fourth — but honestly, I knew I’d be fighting for a market I probably wouldn’t win. So I paused. I stepped back. And that’s when I saw the gap.
Milling services. Chigayo chedu.
No one had claimed that space yet. So I ran with the vision.
As far as I know, I’m the first person on ZBIN to focus on milling — and that is slowly becoming my lane, my identity, my story. I don’t post about herbs. I don’t push spices. I’m not shouting about Malawi rice or Chalimbana peanuts. I’ve chosen my niche, and I’m building from there.
The lesson?
Let others grow. Let them dominate their lanes. Let the industry expand. Why fight over one pie when we can grow a bakery?
Those with big marketing budgets can go ahead — and they should. Because as they grow, they raise awareness for all of us.Some customers will prefer partnering with the big names… but others will choose us because of how we do things at Seasonings and Condiments.
There’s enough room for all of us. So don’t be afraid to step back and find your unique angle. The market is big — but your vision has to be clear.
Louisa Matongo can be contacted on +27 63 431 6872.
Emai: louisa@seasongings-sa.co.za
Louisa a member of the ZBIN Subscribed Group, Mompreneurs and ZBIN SA Group.
