Bokang Lehloenya, is the founder and Managing Director of Wa Rona Food Enterprise, a proudly South African agro-processing company based in Thabong, Welkom in the Free State Province.
Wa Rona Food Enterprise was established in 2022 with a vision to revive, commercialize, and modernize traditional African food products while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Bokang’s flagship product, Wa Rona Motoho, is a nutritious sorghum-based fermented porridge drink that celebrates heritage while meeting modern food safety and quality standards. The inspiration behind the business came from her passion for agriculture, food security, and community empowerment.
“Growing up, traditional foods like motoho were a staple in our homes, yet I noticed that they were underrepresented in mainstream retail spaces. I saw an opportunity to transform a culturally significant product into a commercially viable brand that could compete nationally while preserving our identity.” She said.
Through Wa Rona Food Enterprise, Bokang is committed to:
• Promoting indigenous and nutritious food products
• Supporting local farmers by sourcing ingredients locally
• Creating job opportunities for youth and women
• Contributing to community development initiatives
Like many small and growing businesses, she has faced challenges, including limited funding, access to large retail markets, scaling production capacity, and navigating regulatory compliance processes. However, resilience, faith, and strong mentorship have allowed her company to continue growing despite these obstacles.
”Our product is currently available within the Free State through direct orders, community distribution, and selected retail outlets such as Spars, Roots, Waltloo, Welkom Mini Market, Jabula, Quest petrol station, and Sasol garage. We are actively working towards expanding into larger retail chains and broader provincial and national markets.” Bokang stated.
Wa Rona Food Enterprise represents more than just a beverage brand; it represents empowerment, heritage, and innovation rooted in community values.
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