Nkosinathi Mahlangu – the man behind the well packaged and promising to grow big spice brand, is a serial entrepreneur who grew up spending time in the kitchen whenever time allowed him to do so. This young entrepreneur was born in Pretoria, Atteridgeville in the Gauteng province and currently resides in Vaal, Marina. “My parents raised me with three of my younger brothers, we spent most of the time moving between Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Cape Town due to my dad's occupation, which allowed me to encounter with different people, food, and cultures”, he added.
When did you start with Rakutu Spice and what made you choose to go for a spice business, also what stands about your spice? “My spice range, Rakutu Spice, was established in February 2021. I always thought of having my own spice line as a child because I had to cook with my mother. Her aromas and flavour combinations inspired by the places we lived led me to create my own line of spices with a twist. Currently, Rakutu Spices produces 3 products: beef, vegetable, and chicken/fish spices. All of these products adhere to Rakutu's specialty of low sodium, gluten and dairy free, as well as being low in sodium, free of MSG, and still retaining flavour people enjoy”.
In starting to implement the idea of Rakutu Spice, what were your challenges and how did you overcome them? “First it's how I feel like the dream was delayed, I dedicated my life working in communications agencies & NPOs for long, so I delayed because I always had this idea from childhood but only in 2020 I took a decision to quit my job & pursue the dream. Then I spent 5 months doing research, seeking advice & not finding what I want for Rakutu was daunting, but with the help of my cousin Gugu who’s a food technologist, she guided me every step of the journey making it easy to focus and navigate in the industry. The last but not least is trying to get the product out there, only because everything marketing & advertising is solely depended on me but I will conquer”.
Highlights of your spice business thus far? “As a company, Rakutu Spice's highlights are being able to sell on Takealot, making Rakutu Spice easily accessible around South Africa, and being a member of Proudly SA, which, in my opinion, will result in more opportunities”.
Lastly – when not focusing on Rakutu Spice what else has your attention? “In the meantime, I am working on another big project within Rakutu Group that will be revealed soon. I am still focusing on Rakutu Spices at the moment as it is still a baby that needs nurturing in order to really flourish”.