Relebohile Moeng tells us how she turned a tragedy into an opportunity

The wheels of creativity foster greatness. While some pick it along the way, others are literally born with it.

Relebohile Moeng has managed rolling her wheels of greatness into a formidable business that has left an indelible mark in the business stratosphere, not just in South Africa, but also in Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and the world over.

She is the Founder of Afri-Berry, a brand that strives to make a difference in the body and hair care industry through natural products. She also wants to motivate other women to turn their tragedies into success.

Born and bred in the iconic streets of Benoni, her journey to entrepreneurial success kicked off after tragedy had struck. More of turning a tragedy into an opportunity.

Mrs. Moeng started her business after she was involved in a car accident

“I have set up Afri- Berry after an accident 12 years ago that left me with 150 scars and countless consultations and expensive medication from doctors that gave me the zeal to seek for more affordable ways to repair my scaring,” says Relebohile who is a GIBS graduate and proudly holds a Masters degree in Business Management.

Afri-Berry offers high end repair organic skin and hair solutions that demonstrate positive results to the end user.

One of the brand’s tag line is “powered by nature proven by results”. This has seen Afri- Berry getting rave reviews among consumers.

“All Afri- Berry products are derived from nature and experience. This guarantees results in every Afri-Berry product,” adds Relebohile.

Afri-Berry employs about 50 people nationally as well as in Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Some of their top selling products include 100% Organic Morrocan Gold Argan Oil, 100% Jamaican Black Castor Oil (with Cow-Placenta Extracts), 100% Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, 100% Organic East African Raw Shea Butter, 100% Organic Moroccan Gold Black Shampoo and Conditioner, Scar Nil Jelly, Cellulite Nil Jelly and Tummy Trim Jelly.

“Afri-Berry’s vision is to bring the African experience to the world, to share the knowledge of Africa's natural bounty with the world, to honour the heritage and give back to this wonderful continent, where we have all lived for generations. Furthermore Afri-Berry endeavours to provide quality African earth skin and hair repair products that surpass customer expectations, whilst continually improving the AfriBerry’s brand processes through the use of innovative ideas and including the finest natural ingredients sourced all over Africa” Mrs. Moeng insists

This is in line with the three adjectives that describe them as a successful brand – See Success, See Results, See Increase.

As a way of giving back to the community, Afri-Berry has embarked on numerous corporate social responsibility programmes.

“Yes we have taken part in various community outreach programmes. Afri-Berry is in contact with the Miss Teen Social Entrepreurship SA organisers though the outcome is yet to be finalized.”

Relebohile has wise words for budding entrepreneurs.

“Build a business around a problem that you know needs to be solved and

that you are passionate about fixing or making it better. There will be many long nights and stressful situations ahead but having the passion to fix the problem will get you through every time,” she advices.

Afri-Berry products are sold at retailers and pharmacies throughout South Africa.

Outside South Africa, Afri-Berry products can be found at:

The Health Club Zimbabwe (+263 7793 64038)

Fine Pharmaceuticals Botswana (+267 3922 673/ +267 3922 173)

Botswana Pick n Pay ( Riverwalk, Sebele, Molapo Crossing, Hillside)

Namibia Edgars (Wernhill & Platz Am Meer)

Swaziland Edgars (Manzini and Mbabane)

Swaziland Pick N Pay (finalising listings)