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By Brian Sokutu

Senior Journalist


Stroke survivor motivated to become entrepreneur – Here’s her story

With her company growing exponentially, Human became an advocate and educator, teaching people about the importance of drinking quality water.


Elzette Human suffered a stroke in 2012 – it began her quest to find better and healthier water and resulted in her becoming an entrepreneur.

The stroke was due to acidosis, a disease caused by inflammation and acid build-up in the body, and alkaline powder could not cure her condition.

However, little did she know her quest to find better and healthier water would lead to her becoming an entrepreneur.

From stroke survivor to entrepreneur

When Human found the Lotus Glow Ionized Alkaline Spring Water in 2015, she never looked back. She was determined to help other people and grow her business.

With her company growing exponentially, Human became an advocate and educator, teaching people about the importance of drinking quality water.

“Ionized alkaline spring water reduce and lower the risk of diseases. Once you have started, you will get to enjoy drinking good, quality tasty water that works for the body,” she said.

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Explained Human: “Ionized alkaline spring water is the opposite of acidic water, with a higher pH (potential of hydration) than normal bottled water as well as a much more improved quality water.

“In terms of our processing, unwanted particles are removed through micro-filtration, making our water 99.9% pure.

“The water is then infused with trace amounts of electrolytes, not just for taste, but to better compliment the body’s natural mix.

“Through ionization, bitter-tasting acidic ions are removed, creating supercharged alkaline spring water with pH levels of 9.5 or higher.

Importance of quality water

“Drinking the ‘correct water’ is very important for the cells, tissues and organs in the body. Staying properly hydrated is necessary for every bodily function.

“Drinking clean, non-chemical water is what keeps the body hydrated and healthy for longer.”

Human, who grew up in the East of Johannesburg, said she conducted sufficient research about water for her “own personal healing journey”.

“I discovered that the water I bought, did not do anything for my well-being; I stayed thirsty and sick until I found functional water,” said Human.

She added: “Your hydration needs to be functional for your well-being and this is all based on the source and process of the water you buy.

“There are so many types of bottled water in the market, but finding the right one becomes a challenge.”

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With a massive demand for Lotus Glow Water in Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and other parts of Europe, she said the brand would be expanding over the next few years.

The global functional water market capitalisation was $12.86 billion in 2020, with the market likely to grow to $22.97 billion in 2028.

“My company is working very hard to reach and be part of that growth by educating as many South Africans as possible – that the water you buy and drink should have a function.

“Normal bottled water, which in many cases is found through taps, have no absolute function for the human body – causing damage to your body, due to chemicals added to the tap water purification process,” said Human.

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