Lenaka is not just a drink BUT a symbol of celebration

Pic: Seema Khutso Masekwameng

Gone are those days where people in the villages believe things are done in the cities or suburbs. Seema Khutso Masekwameng (32) is proudly born in a village called Sebayeng, Dikgale, Limpopo Province in South Africa. He attended Mahlasedi Pre- school, Konoto Lower Primary, Maboyane Mid Primary, Dorothy Langa Primary, Masebodu Secondary and matriculated at Ranti High School. He further went on to Capricorn College and pursued Office Management and Technology at Tshwane University of Technology.

“Growing up in the village was never easy, I faced limited opportunities and had to learn to survive through observation, determination and faith – soccer was my escape and happy place. I moved to Seshego around 2002 and was exposed to new environment. I experienced hunger, rejection and setbacks but met people who believed in me when I had nothing”, said the founder and CEO of Lenaka Beverages (Pty) Ltd and Matebele Coporates (Pty) Ltd.

Lenaka Beverages (Pty) Ltd was founded in 2021 and is home to the proudly South African Lenaka Premium Gin range.  “Lenaka” means “horn” in Sepedi — it’s a symbol of strength, pride, and identity     It started as a dream deeply rooted in passion and cultural pride. The inspiration came from the phrase “Lenaka la monna’ mosepidi,” which celebrates strength, manhood, and leadership. In traditional settings, a horn was used to announce something great or to call people together — that’s exactly what brand was represented.

“It wasn’t an easy road — I had to outsource production, face financial challenges, and sometimes even go hungry. But through faith, resilience, and the support of good people, Lenaka became a reality. Today, we produce three distinct gins — Lenaka Premium Dry Gin, Blueberry Flavoured Gin, and Watermelon Flavoured Gin — all crafted with natural botanicals and vibrant African character. It is not just a drink; it’s a symbol of celebration, African prestige, and legacy. Our slogan, “Now here, is something prestige,” reflects the idea that we are creating something of value — something African, powerful, and timeless”, added Khutso.

Running a business, especially in the beverage industry, comes with a lot of challenges. Financial limitations are always a big hurdle — from production costs, branding, licensing, and distribution to marketing. Another challenge is breaking into a market dominated by international brands while trying to convince people to trust a proudly local product.

“There were moments when I felt like giving up, especially when delays or financial setbacks hit hard. But every obstacle became a lesson. Challenges have shaped my character and reminded me that nothing of value comes easy — it must be built through consistency, sacrifice, and unwavering belief”, he said.

With a support from our community, lot of businesses will reach far audiences. However, it has to do with transformation, which includes changing their mindset and offering them what they were starving for.

“I’ve seen genuine excitement from people who want to see local products succeed — especially young people who are proud to hold a bottle of Lenaka and say, “This is from our village.” But to reach full community support, we still need more education, exposure, and collaboration. It’s not just about buying local; it’s about believing that our own people are capable of producing excellence. That belief will empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. My dream is to build a Lenaka Distillery in Sebayeng, creating jobs and opportunities for local youth”, he concluded.

This is an inspiring story and we hope all aspiring entrepreneurs out there will keep pushing harder to achieve their goals.

More info about this wonderful brand can be found: 📞 Phone: 078 003 4097 | 📧 Email: info@lenakabeverages.co.za / seema@lenakabeverages.co.za 🌍 Website: [www.lenakabeverages.co.za](https://www.lenakabeverages.co.za) |🏠 Address: B170 Nyakallo Street, Mantsebe View, Sebayeng, Dikgale, 0721