Makhamisa Foods, a proudly South African brand, was co-founded by Mr. Terence Leluma and Ms. Phumzile Nkomo. The entity is a 100% completely black-owned and managed company based in Edenvale, Johannesburg. Their journey commenced back in 2014 when Terence Leluma had a transformative experience while sharing a meal with his father-in-law. It was during this meal that he was introduced to a remarkable vegetable named relish, that left a lasting impression on him. The relish was bursting with flavour and was enjoyed with braai meat. Intrigued by the taste and the story behind it, Leluma delved deeper into the world of relishes, asking questions and seeking knowledge until he felt confident to embark on the venture.
In trying to understand where the name Makhamisa comes from, we heard that the name "Makhamisa" holds a special significance as it is a Zulu word that perfectly captures the essence of the product. Makhamisa means the open-mouthed gasp one makes after eating spicy food, which aligns perfectly with the bold and flavourful nature of their relish.
The brand's mission is to bring African taste and heritage to the world by leveraging efficient world-class technology and innovative recipe development. Makhamisa Foods aspires to be a world-leading condiments manufacturer, standing out as a proudly African brand. They take pride in being one of the few black-owned African sauce brands that resonate with the rich stories of Africa.
Getting the product off the ground was a result of meticulous research and thoughtful testing. They bottled the relish in a series of naked bottles, labelled alphabetically from A to F. Armed with their samples, they took to Bara taxi rank for a taste test. This hands-on approach allowed them to receive direct feedback from the public and understand which flavours resonated most with their potential customers.
One of the most beloved products offered by Makhamisa Foods is their relish, a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, green chili, jalapeño, vegetable oil, vinegar, exotic spices, and chutney. This versatile product can be used as a dip, marinade, or side condiment with various dishes, both vegetarian and meat based. It can also be used creatively as a sandwich filler, pizza topping, or flavorant in stews, casseroles, and curries. The relish is available in flavors like "Nyana," "Ncaaa," and "Tjerr."
Driven by a passion to spread their African heritage and flavors, the team at Makhamisa Foods aims to be present in every meal across South Africa and beyond, from Estcourt to Mzansi and abroad. Their goal is to enhance the experience of enjoying traditional South African dishes, making them even more flavourful and enjoyable.
Makhamisa Foods has gained considerable recognition and interest not only within South Africa but also on an international level. Their participation in events such as the Black Industrialists Programme has exposed them to opportunities in countries like United States of America, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Columbia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. This has opened doors for the company, enabling them to supply their products to major retailers like Pick 'n Pay and Checkers, as well as engage in contract packing for reputable companies such as Bidfood, Empact, Galitos, and Famous Brands.
The brand's dedication to authenticity and preserving its African roots is evident in its brand communication, which makes use of a lot of vernacular language. By doing so, they are proudly keeping their communication "Mzansi," truly representing their culture and connecting with their local audience.