POLOKWANE – Born and raised in Ga-Lekgothoane, Ga-Molepo, the 27-year-old got the inspiration to make sweet potato yogurt in 2015. After many attempts, he finally succeeded in making a product which was positively received by his customers and his business steadily grew.
“For now my products are selling well but I want to grow my business even more, until I am able to sell my yoghurt in provinces across South Africa,” he said. Edward’s company is named Kgarose Kgaros and is based in Itsoseng Entrepreneurial Centre stall No D10 next to the Great North bus rank.
“I manufacture and produce my very own unique products and use mainly sweet potatoes as the main ingredients because I wanted a healthy and unique product.”
One of the biggest challenges he faces in growing his business, however, it is related to equipment.
“I don’t have industrial equipment so I make use of household equipment to make my products which means I have a limited production. I am advocating for sponsors at the moment to help me buy the equipment I need so I can grow my business,” he added.
He noticed a gap in the market for a product such as his and decided to do research about the health benefits of sweet potato and turn his passion into a career.
“I found sweet potatoes are a healthier substitute for the fruits used in most yoghurts and because it has a neutral flavour, it can be easily influenced by other flavours. Sweet potatoes have high plant protein levels and low calories which make it a healthy and smart choice compared to other starchy root vegetables. It is low in sugar, a good blood pressure regulator and is high in fibre, vitamins and calcium.”
He makes plain yoghurt, strawberry, chocolate and banana flavoured. Edward has approached several retailers in the city willing to sell his product, the problem comes in with him not being able to produce enough yoghurt to meet the demand for his product.
Kgarose Kgaros employs two permanent workers, Mokgala Mabonchi Molangoane and Lekgothoane Kruger, who helps to make the yoghurt and Edward says he looks forward to employing even more people as his business grows.
“Aside from the sweet potato yoghurt I’m exploring other products such as beetroot chips to expand my business. For more information visit my Facebook page, Kgarose Kgaros, or e-mail me at kgarosekgaros@gmail.com.”
