When Mpho Mohaswa (36) of Burgersfort, Limpopo, faced the challenge of balancing a demanding corporate career with spending quality time with her family, she made a bold decision that would change her life—and the lives of many others—forever.
After building a successful career as an engineer in the oil and gas industry, Mohaswa took a leap of faith in 2017 and founded Precious and Pearl Brands, a company specializing in a locally crafted South African favorite: ginger beer, known as Ghemere. Her brand offers a unique twist, providing both concentrate and ready-to-drink options of the non-alcoholic beverage that is cherished in countless households across the country.
“I wanted something that allowed me the flexibility to be present for my family while still pursuing something meaningful,” Mohaswa shared. “At the same time, I saw an opportunity to revive the taste of true South African ginger beer—a taste that brings back childhood memories for so many, but was being forgotten.”
For Mohaswa, Ghemere is more than just a product. It’s a mission to preserve tradition. She realized that many families weren’t passing down the traditional ginger beer recipe, so she took it upon herself to bring that taste to a new generation. “We wanted to make it easier for daughters-in-law, aunts, and mothers who wanted to serve something familiar, but with the convenience that modern life demands.”
Her passion for preserving South African traditions has paid off. Precious and Pearl Brands has won several prestigious awards, proving that Mohaswa’s Ghemere is among the best in the country. In 2019, the business won the Firstwatch Entrepreneur Challenge and the Ekurhuleni Festival of Ideas in the agro-processing category. It was also recognized by the Mail & Guardian as one of the Top 200 Young South Africans in 2021.
Mohaswa’s success didn’t stop there. In 2023, she added the Nedbank Business Ignite and Fabulous Women Awards to her list of achievements, as well as the Forty Under 40 South Africa Award in agro-processing. Precious and Pearl Brands was also honored at the 2024 Top Youth Owned Brand Awards in the food and beverage category.
But Mohaswa’s impact goes beyond business success. She is committed to empowering women in local communities through her Power Girls initiative, which provides valuable skills and job opportunities for young women. “It’s about creating a better future for women, offering them the chance to gain independence and make a living,” she explained.
With a dedicated team of eight employees, Mohaswa’s brand is rapidly expanding. Ghemere can now be found at Food Lovers Market stores nationwide and selected Spar, Pick n Pay, and Shoprite/Checkers stores in Gauteng and North West. She has also opened up reselling opportunities, helping others generate extra income by sharing this beloved beverage.
Mohaswa has received tremendous support from organizations like Seda (Small Enterprise Development Agency) and Sefa (Small Enterprise Finance Agency), which have helped her with material support, product testing, and packaging. In 2024, Sefa also assisted the company in purchasing a delivery truck to help grow the business even further.
Recently, Precious and Pearl Brands showcased their Ghemere at a major food expo in Dubai, expanding the reach of this traditional South African beverage to an international audience.
For more information about Precious and Pearl Brands or to become a reseller, contact:
Mpho Mohaswa
📞 076 793 3858
📲 Instagram: @ghemere_sa
📲 Facebook: Ghemere SA
📲 TikTok: @ghemere.sa
