As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, stories of resilience, determination and innovation continue to highlight the vital role women play in economic growth and entrepreneurship. One such story is that of Mpho Majeng, founder of Somelele Trading, the company behind Hops Ice Tea. Through her business, Mpho has transformed a treasured family tradition into a growing enterprise rooted in heritage, wellness and opportunity.
Mpho Majeng – founder of Somelele Trading
Passionate about creating healthy, locally produced beverages, Mpho has transformed a treasured family recipe into a premium product that celebrates African heritage while promoting wellness. What started as a cherished family tradition has evolved into a business with ambitions of becoming a recognised South African brand. Through Hops Ice Tea, she has combined tradition with innovation to create a beverage that appeals to health-conscious consumers while contributing to the local economy.
Mpho’s entrepreneurial journey began with a childhood memory. Growing up, she watched her grandmother brew Hops tea and often heard her say, “A glass of Hops a day keeps the doctor away.” Inspired by her grandmother’s belief in the healing power of natural ingredients, Mpho later set out to preserve that legacy by transforming a family tradition into a modern health beverage. What many may have viewed as a simple family saying became the foundation of a business idea that would shape her entrepreneurial journey.
She was also motivated by a desire to provide healthier beverage choices while showcasing African knowledge and natural ingredients. For Mpho, the journey has always been about demonstrating that traditional recipes can be developed into successful commercial products while creating opportunities for growth and development. Her vision has always been to demonstrate that indigenous knowledge and traditional recipes can be transformed into products that have commercial value while creating opportunities for communities.
A defining moment came when Hops Ice Tea moved from being a cherished family recipe to a product available on retail shelves. Another significant milestone was being accepted into an enterprise development programme offered through the East London IDZ Science and Technology Park (STP), which reinforced her belief in the potential of her business.
Like many women entrepreneurs, Mpho’s journey has not been without challenges. Accessing funding, entering competitive markets, and balancing business growth with personal responsibilities have tested her resilience. However, these experiences have strengthened her leadership abilities and taught her the value of perseverance. They have also reinforced the importance of adaptability, resilience, and long-term thinking in building a sustainable enterprise.
Mpho credits the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park (STP) with helping her strengthen her business strategy and prepare for future growth. Through business development support, mentorship and guidance, she has been able to refine her product positioning, prepare for market expansion and connect with opportunities that support the continued development of her business. The programme has also helped her strengthen her business model and better prepare for future growth opportunities.
She believes the value of ELIDZ STP extends beyond business development alone.
“ELIDZ Science and Technology Park (STP) is more than a business support programme, it is a platform that empowers entrepreneurs to innovate, grow and compete. Through mentorship, business development support and access to valuable networks, ELIDZ STP helps transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses with real economic impact,” she says.
Among her many milestones, Mpho is most proud of transforming her grandmother’s recipe into a commercial product that celebrates African heritage while promoting healthier lifestyles.
“Every bottle of Hops Ice Tea represents our family’s story, resilience, and belief that traditional knowledge has value in today’s marketplace,” she says.
Beyond the business itself, Mpho’s success has inspired aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, to believe that their ideas and cultural heritage can become successful ventures. Her journey demonstrates that innovation does not always begin in a laboratory or boardroom. Sometimes it begins at home, through traditions passed down from one generation to the next. Mpho’s journey demonstrates how innovation and entrepreneurship can unlock opportunities while preserving important traditions.
Looking ahead, Mpho hopes to establish Hops Ice Tea as one of South Africa’s leading healthy beverage brands and expand into international markets. She also aims to create more jobs, support local farmers, and continue developing innovative products rooted in African natural ingredients.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, Mpho’s story serves as a powerful reminder that women continue to lead through courage, creativity and determination. By transforming a cherished family tradition into a growing enterprise, she is not only preserving a legacy but also creating new opportunities for future generations.
Her Message This Women’s Month
“Believe in your vision, even when the journey is difficult. Your background, your story, and your experiences are your greatest strengths. Never underestimate the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and supporting other women. Together, we can build businesses that leave lasting legacies.”