Retang Phaahla and her mother Nondumiso Phaahla are the driving force behind Summer Trading 87’, a 100% black owned company, that markets and distributes indigenous tea products.

The company forms part of a supply chain that has its origins in a community development project in the rural areas of Sekhukhune, Limpopo.

The project required community members to identify natural assets within their region that could be utilised for economic gain. The indigenous tepane tea, which grows naturally, was a standout product of this initiative.

The tea has been consumed for over five decades by the Bapedi people, which results in a great deal of history being associated with these products. In addition, Retang Phaahla and her mother Nondumiso have had a long association with Sekhukhune as Retang’s father grew up in a village in the region.

Retang Phaahla said, “We had to do something with the tea.” Through the University of Pretoria and SABS, the tea was tested and found to contain Vitamin A, C, E, and Zinc, resulting in a variety of health benefits.

The result was the registering of a company. With the help of CSIR, a facility that conformed to food processing requirements, like HACCP accreditation, was set up. Appropriate equipment for harvesting, washing, drying, milling and packaging was also acquired.

Together with Siyaphila Youth Support Services, cooperatives were developed to harvest, dry and grind the tea leaves, which has enabled community upliftment.

Retang said, “The response from the market place and the impact that this has had on the community is really incredible.”

The teas are then blended into different flavours, packaged and distributed by Summer Trading 87’.

Several different platforms are currently being used for marketing and sales such as the online platform, direct customer marketing, weekend markets, and through other community interaction activities.

Retang is optimistic that the JCCI SME Incubator programme will assist with getting their product export ready. She said, “This is a huge breakthrough for this product. We have been helped in developing a better business strategy that is sustainable and operational.” 

Retang Phaahla 
C: 079 9678063
E: retangp@siyaphila.co.za
www.setsong.co.za