Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Lioness Weekender spoke to the award-winning Retang Phaahla to learn more about the inspirational behind Setšong Tea Crafters and her vision for the future.

What does your company do?

Setšong Tea Crafters is an agri-business that specialises in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo. We work with communities to ethically harvest and process these indigenous plants into speciality wellness tea infusions, while preserving traditional African knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation to contribute towards sustainable livelihoods.

What inspired you to start your company?

The inspiration behind Setšong Tea Crafters was the desire to preserve indigenous knowledge and create economic opportunities in underserved rural areas. Witnessing the wealth of indigenous heritage and traditional wellness practices in Limpopo, and the under-utilisation of these resources, we felt called to bridge that gap by creating value-added products while uplifting local communities.

What makes your business, service or product special?

Setšong Tea Crafters is the first to commercialise the indigenous teas known to the Bapedi people as the Tepane Black Bush Tea and Diya Red Root Teas. These teas are more than just beverages—they’re a cultural experience. Each infusion celebrates indigenous South African botanicals and the wisdom of our forefathers. While providing unique flavours and a plethora of health benefits. Our commitment to ethical sourcing, community empowerment (especially women) and sustainability makes us special. We are blending ancient tradition with modern innovation

Tell us a little about your team

Our team is made up of passionate, mission-driven individuals—mainly women from rural communities—who bring indigenous knowledge, craftsmanship, and care into every tea infusion. From community harvesters to production technicians, commercial drivers and creative brand ambassadors, we are united by a shared vision to restore pride in African heritage.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

My journey began in the social development sector, which laid the foundation for a purpose-driven business approach. Though I didn’t come from a traditional entrepreneurial background, my mother—a nurse turned social entrepreneur—instilled in me the value of service and sustainability. Founding Setšong has been both a challenging and deeply rewarding experience, shaped by trial, mentorship, and constant learning.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

We plan to expand our footprint both locally and internationally, making Setšong Tea a household name in wellness. We’re also building a tea and wellness retreat in Limpopo—Setšong Bush Retreat—where people can connect with nature, experience our tea journey, and immerse themselves in culture and wellness.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Seeing lives transformed through our work—whether it’s a woman who now earns a stable income or a customer whose health improves from our teas—is the most fulfilling part. Knowing that our business is a vehicle for health and wellness, empowerment and heritage preservation is incredibly meaningful.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Start where you are, use what you have, and stay rooted in your ‘why’. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin—clarity and confidence grow with action.

Surround yourself with mentors, embrace the obstacles, and never underestimate the power of your voice and vision.

To find out more about the inspirational Retang Phaahla and her business, Setšong Tea Crafters, send an email to: info@setsong.co.za or visit the company’s website and social media platforms:

Website: https://setsongtea.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SetsongTea/

Twitter: https://x.com/setsong_tea

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setsong_tea/?hl=en