From the rural heart of Tooseng in Limpopo to international wellness platforms, the story of Tshepiso Seloane is one of purpose, perseverance and a powerful vision rooted in the moringa tree.
By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming
As the founder of Mor-Nutritional Products (Pty) Ltd, trading as Mor-Nutri, she is not only expanding, she is making a meaningful impact.
Tshepiso Seloane’s journey has never been straightforward. Born and raised in a township where opportunities were limited, she aspired to a professional career. After completing her studies in accounting, Tshepiso began working as an accountant and later as an auditing consultant at the Auditor-General of SA.
She found herself unexpectedly halted by unemployment. Despite applying for countless jobs, doors remained closed. However, in that space of uncertainty, something new began to stir – a realisation that waiting for opportunity was no longer an option. So she chose to create her own.
From Passion Project to Premium Wellness Brand
Without funding or formal training in agriculture, Tshepiso relied on research, resilience and an increasing fascination with the moringa tree. Inspired by her late mother, who deeply believed in its healing powers, she started to explore the plant’s nutritional value, economic potential and environmental benefits. What began as a passion project developed into a mission: to turn moringa into a community-driven wellness brand.
Her initial steps were modest but impactful. In 2005, she started providing local orphans with moringa powder. By 2009, she was managing small-scale planting and distribution within the community. These early efforts laid the foundation for what would eventually become a comprehensive business. In 2015, Mor-Nutritional Products was officially registered and by 2020, Mor-Nutri had become a formal agro-processing enterprise with a growing range of products.
Today, Mor-Nutri is recognised for its premium moringa tea blends, infused with native herbs like rooibos and plants like prickly pear, as well as its moringa health shakes, available in banana, strawberry and chocolate flavours. Every product is carefully created, supported by scientific research and processed locally within Tooseng and neighbouring areas. The company doesn’t just cultivate its supply of moringa; it also works with youth- and women-led cooperatives to ensure a dependable, community-based supply chain.
What sets Mor-Nutri apart is its integrity. The company is founded on the principles of wellness, accessibility and local empowerment. At every stage of the value chain – from cultivation to processing, packaging and marketing – everything is driven by purpose. Supported by research institutions such as Wits University and the Agricultural Research Council, Mor-Nutri has established itself as a reputable name in natural health, nutrition and sustainability.
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Growing the business brought its own set of challenges. Initially, Tshepiso had to manage with basic packaging, unpaid support from volunteers and limited infrastructure. Nonetheless, despite the financial pressures, she concentrated on product quality and cultivating a loyal customer base. Her perseverance paid off. In 2023, Mor-Nutri gained both national and international recognition, participating in the prestigious Anuga trade show in Germany, a significant milestone that expanded export opportunities across Europe. That same year, the company received a South African Climate Adaptation Award, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural practices. These successes marked a turning point, not only for the business but also for the wider agro-processing story in rural SA.
Mor-Nutri continues to operate with a small, agile team. At the centre is Tshepiso, supported by her brother, who oversees operations, and a project manager who coordinates activities across the entire value chain. Together, they maintain a routine of daily field visits, factory supervision, partner meetings, order processing and community engagement. Whether hosting health talks, attending expos or training cooperatives, Tshepiso and the business remain active, purposeful and connected to the community.
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International Recognition Opens New Horizons
Looking ahead, Tshepiso is preparing for growth. With the premium wellness market in South Africa expanding rapidly, Mor-Nutri is positioning itself to lead. Plans include a broader product range – from skincare and functional drinks to cereal infusions and health shots, all moringa-based and locally sourced. The team is working towards obtaining advanced certifications, such as ISO 22000 and GMP, to support export readiness. A comprehensive, convenient e-commerce platform is in development to cater for health-conscious customers nationwide. Yet, the heart of this business remains rooted in Tooseng.
Through its network of cooperatives, Mor-Nutri continues to create jobs, support women farmers and provide opportunities for young people to participate in meaningful, climate-smart agriculture. Training, mentorship and partnerships with NGOs and research organisations form part of the business’s broader ecosystem of impact.
Tshepiso’s journey proves that purpose can develop even in the most unlikely circumstances. She has built a business not only from soil and leaves but also from resilience, community and vision. In an industry where access to land, funding and infrastructure can be challenging, her story is a reminder that innovation often begins where necessity meets courage.
Mor-Nutri is no longer just a wellness brand. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when local resources, indigenous knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit come together. It serves as a model for sustainable rural development, inspired by one woman’s belief that a single tree can inspire an entire movement.
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