The friendly city of Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, is in the southernmost regions of Mzansi, nestled between the Eastern Cape's picturesque landscapes and the Indian Ocean's turquoise shores. It is there that Mthokozisi “MT” Magnus Nkosi, a fervent supporter of public health and food safety, has left his mark. Mthokozisi, who was born in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, currently resides in Gqeberha, where he established ASC, Public Health – Food Safety, a leader in the complex field of food safety and public health consultation. ASC is headquartered in Gqeberha and maintains satellite offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, providing nationwide services.
We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Mthokozisi to learn about his journey and the incredible work being done by Aluzar Systems Consultants also known as ASC Public Health – Food Safety.
As we excavated into the depths of his story, several essential questions emerged: First one was about when did he start with ASC Consultants, and what made him choose to go for this kind of business? “I officially started this journey in September 2018, with the vision of providing much-needed professional consulting services for small and medium-sized businesses in the food industry.
And because of my educational background and experience in Food Science and Technology, coupled with a deep passion for public health, these made this endeavour particularly relevant to me.”
In terms of what truly sets ASC apart from the rest of the pack: Mthokozisi pointed out their exceptional team of consultants specializing in various scientific disciplines, their relentless commitment to staying updated with industry trends, and their dedication to understanding each client's unique needs.
What services do you guys offer, and why is it important for every business in the food industry, and what can compliance do for one’s business who hasn’t gone through that process yet? Also, out of all your packages, which one can you recommend as a starter? “The services we offer as ASC span regulatory advisory, food safety management systems implementation, training in food safety and public health, auditing for food facilities, and public health solutions”, he shared.
Mthokozisi emphasized the significance of regulatory compliance in the food industry, particularly in South Africa, where consumer protection is paramount. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties and a loss of consumer trust. Compliance not only ensures the safety and quality of products but also opens doors to supply to major retailers with specific requirements. For those just starting their food business journey, a gap audit was suggested as a crucial first step. This audit identifies areas that need improvement in your food safety management system and provides recommendations for compliance. It helps lay a strong foundation for your business.
His journey with ASC hasn't been without its challenges. He faced fierce competition from well-established companies and the need for resources and technical staff. However, the company's commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to its mission have seen it overcome these obstacles.
Since its inception, ASC has achieved remarkable milestones. They've won the Nelson Mandela Business Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2022, led significant projects in partnership with global giants, and consulted for renowned brands. Their footprint now extends across Southern Africa, with a move to a bigger office space in 2023, equipped with facilities for training and consulting.
When asked about future collaborations, He expressed a desire to work with credible third-party food safety certification bodies and other accomplished consultants. “Such collaborations would allow ASC to expand its skillset and expertise”, he added.
Lastly, what do you get up to when not directly working on ASC? “When I am not wearing the ASC hat, I enjoy reading books, gardening, traveling, and indulging in a bit of television to keep sane”.
As The Konvenient team, we believe that Mr Nkosi’s story is one of passion, dedication, and excellence. His journey from humble beginnings to the thriving metropolis of Gqeberha, and the success of Aluzar Systems Consultants, is an inspiring tale of the difference one person's commitment can make in ensuring the safety and quality of the food we all consume.