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TITSELO TEMASWATI FRUIT PRESERVES: A JOURNEY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

By Whats Your Hustle | 2025-01-22

Titselo TemaSwati is a vibrant fruit preserve business founded by Andiswa Ziyanda Ndlovu, a passionate young entrepreneur, in 2020.

Established during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Andiswa aimed to create employment opportunities for herself and others in an economy where many were facing retrenchment.

Andiswa's journey is a testament to resilience and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Titselo TemaSwati not only offers delicious homemade products but also embodies a commitment to quality, community empowerment, and innovation.

About the Business Located in Manzini
Titselo TemaSwati specialises in a range of delicious fruit preserves, including jams, dried snacks, iced tea and powders. Andiswa's target customers are health-conscious individuals who appreciate convenience, sustainability and homemade products.

“I maintain consistent quality in my products, which helps build customer loyalty. I also keep communication open, recognise returning customers, and offer them discounts,” she shares.
Since its inception, Titselo has experienced impressive growth, increasing production from approximately 30 units per month to 100 units.

The business has expanded its offerings to include dried bean soup powders, iced tea, and a variety of dehydrated snacks.

Support and Mentorship
Andiswa joined Junior Achievement through the MTN Angel Investor Programme to seek funding and enhance her business skills. This programme provided her with valuable knowledge in pitching and networking. She draws inspiration from Claudia Castellanos, the visionary founder and CEO of Black Mamba Chilli, whose mentorship has greatly influenced Andiswa’s journey in the food industry.

Challenges Faced
Like any entrepreneur, Andiswa has encountered significant challenges in building her business. One major hurdle has been sourcing appropriate packaging materials that align with her brand and protect her products. The limited options and high costs of custom packaging have posed notable difficulties.

Additionally, operating from home has restricted production capabilities and the expense of securing a dedicated facility remains a barrier.To manage these challenges, Andiswa has outsourced tasks such as graphic design and social media management, allowing her to focus on the core aspects of her business.

She has also actively sought collaborations with other entrepreneurs, accessing shared resources and expertise that have opened new opportunities.

Future Plans
In the next three years, Titselo TemaSwati aims to:
g Grow the Business: Expand production, explore new markets and introduce innovative products.

g Ensure Quality: Obtain necessary certifications and uphold high-quality standards.
g Create Jobs: Hire more individuals, particularly young people and women.
g Empower the Community: Provide training and mentorship, and support local initiatives.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Andiswa encourages fellow entrepreneurs to remain persistent: “Keep pushing; it will make sense one day.

Do the work even when you do not feel like it. Respect your customers, be innovative, consistent, and uphold integrity. If you are contemplating starting a business, do not overthink it—just take the risk and go for it.”

Contact Information
For inquiries, you can reach Titselo TemaSwati via: Email: titselo_temaswati@gmail.com
g Phone/WhatsApp: 79426252
g Instagram: @Titselo
g TikTok: Titselo_TemaSwati

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