Sizolwenkosi Mazolo grew up in a poverty-stricken family where they would sometimes go to bed without a meal. Some other days they would survive on sugarless porridge, she says. And seeing food being thrown away in the face of widespread hunger in Africa and globally not only troubles her but she also finds it unconscionable. And this is why the Zimbabwean-born lass decided to form Ingcebethu Pvt Ltd, a small agro-processing entity, to help stop food waste and educate the community about the significance of food security. Currently, Ingcebethu Pvt Ltd is the only woman-owned company in Zimbabwe.
Prolonging food quality
Mazolo uses the three-way model to prevent food from spoiling prematurely. The models include: freezing, canning and drying fruits and vegetables. This has proved to be a very effective method in helping to prolong food’s shelf life. She says initially they relied on freezing and as time went on they added canning and drying primarily because of the worsening power crisis that is affecting most parts of the Southern Africa region.
Sustainably grown and harvested
“Most farmers just plant and produce without assessing how much a market can consume and eventually end up with excess produce that rots and gets thrown away. In most households as well, fruits and vegetables are bought in bulk and lose their freshness before consumption leading to them being thrown away as well,” says Mazolo. She says she ensures her products are sustainably grown and harvested. In addition, it is part of an initiative called The Mobi Soup Kitchen where about 600 children at a local informal settlement near Harare are fed every week.
45% of food is wasted in South Africa alone
According to research conducted by the Behaviour Change Agency for the World Wildlife Fund South Africa (WWF-SA), the Nedbank Green Trust and Food Forward, about 45% of South Africa’s total available food supply that the food industry produce is lost or wasted. In addition, the research revealed that a lot of wastage takes place during the initial stages of agricultural production on farms and that less than 40% of farmers measure the amount of food that is lost. Mazolo feels strongly that there must be coordinated efforts to reduce food waste and also help empower poverty-stricken communities so that they can be self-reliant.
Eating and living healthily
Mazolo says Ingcebethu Pvt Ltd is also fulfilling another important objective, which is to cater for the needs of the current generation that is busy and yet wants to eat and live healthily. “However, at times we just do not have the time to go through the whole process of preparing a meal. At Ingcebethu, our products are prepared and packed in such a way that requires little effort to make a meal. We wash our products, chop and dice them for the consumer’s convenience,” says Mazolo.
Close working relationships with farmers
Mazolo says she works closely with the farmers to ensure consumers can still enjoy their produce long after they have gone out of season while curbing losses. She says they have also forged strong relationships with smallholder farmers who provide livelihood to local communities. “Our products have no preservatives or colourants, and they are suitable for all ages and genders. We package in such a way that consumers typically use only what they need at that particular moment and store away the rest,” says Mazolo.
String of accolades
Mazolo has won several accolades in recognition of her work. So far the list of her accomplishments includes:
- 2022 JCI TOYP Honouree
- Top 20 Young CEOs by CEO Roundtable Africa 2022, as well as
- the Record Breaker Young CEOs by Zimbabwe CEOs Network 2022 among others.
- She is a YALI RLC alumni and her business was in the top 10 finalists in the 2022 Eagles Nest Incubation program by Zimtrade.
Promoting ‘zero hunger
Mazolo’s ambition is to grow Ingcebethu Pvt Ltd beyond the Zimbabwean borders. In addition, she says she likes to deliver more products that are nutritious, wholesome and convenient to consumers. “I hope that in a few years, we will be recognised as a reputable company providing relief to consumers while promoting zero hunger,” says Mazolo
