EAST LONDON- A powerful story of resilience and innovation was shared at the launch of the Eastern Cape’s Natural Ingredients Export Promotion Strategy, which took place on 25 August 2025, at the InvestSA OneStop Shop in East London.
An organic farmer and cancer survivor, Lungi Nonkwelo, spoke about her journey and how she turned to indigenous herbs as part of her healing process.Lungi’s story began with the loss of several family members to cancer, including her father and his siblings. She later faced her own battle with breast cancer, instead of giving up she discovered the healing properties of indigenous herbs and began using them to manage her condition. This experience inspired her to start farming and developing natural products.
The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) launched the strategy to drive the export promotion of natural ingredients from the Eastern Cape. The strategy aims to increase the province’s natural ingredient exports by 25% over the next three years, from R4.2 million to R5.25 million. The strategy outlines a focused plan to support Eastern Cape producers by enabling entry into at least five new international markets. Securing a minimum of 15 new product certifications, engaging and training over 100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the export value chain.
In addition consultant at SIPPO, Andrew Jones, explained that the event had two aspects; “One was to promote and launch the strategy for the export promotion of natural ingredients from the Eastern Cape province. The other part of the presentation was talking about the requirements, the trends in the European market that are relevant for natural ingredients and to get a discussion going on what is needed now to be done by the companies to meet those requirements and to be more successful in their exports.”
Furthermore Nonkwelo added that, “Through using herbs, I discovered that weed was very effective for my condition. I made my own medicine from natural, indigenous herbs, including weed. My products can be found in East London, Libode, Mthatha, Tsolo, and at a pharmacy in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. For those looking to connect with me as a distributor, I can be reached at 072 491 6076.”
ECDC promotion Specialist Linda Lubengu, emphasized the importance of equipping and capacitating businesses to become export-ready. “Our role is to assist companies that are on the cusp of exporting. We focus on providing critical market intelligence and supporting them in implementing their international marketing strategies.”
The province’s natural ingredients include aloe ferox, honeybush, rosemary, hemp, rose geranium, artemisia afra, African sage and honey, among others.The launch of the Natural Ingredients Export Promotion Strategy highlighted the Eastern Cape’s rich potential in the global market and celebrated the resilience and innovation of its people.
Lungi’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of exploring natural solutions.
Photographs: supplied
