Harnessing indigenous knowledge for modern living

When Patrick Mthebule founded Dinda Technologies in 2016, his vision was simple yet ambitious: to take an indigenous plant long recognised for its natural properties and turn it into innovative, health-conscious products.

Nearly a decade later, the Pretoria-based start-up has made a name for itself in South Africa’s botanical manufacturing sector.

“Dinda,” the Tsonga name for the Devil’s thorn (Dicerocaryum eriocarpum), is a creeping plant native to Southern Africa. The spiny fruit has long been valued for traditional uses such as natural soap-making.

Mthebule recognised the plant’s untapped potential and decided to build a business around it.

“We use plants and herbs to make our products. We are trying to move away from sulphates, so our products are herbal. We did some research on the plant and found that it has three main properties:

First, it is antibacterial. Second, it is antifungal. Third, it is anti-inflammatory. So, we decided to take advantage of this.”

Today, Dinda Technologies produces a wide range of products, including shampoo, body wash, cleaning detergents, pain-relief balm, and body lotion.

Mthebule’s journey to entrepreneurship has been anything but straightforward, having left a teaching career to study herbs.

The company employs a small team of five and supplements its manufacturing by cultivating herbs. “We have farms where we are planting and growing the herbs that we use,” Mthebule explains.

This not only ensures supply but also reinforces Dinda’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Financing the business has tested perseverance.

“The venture was 90% self-funded. We received a 10% contribution from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) for marketing materials, raw materials, and business development mentorship.”

Despite challenges, Mthebule reflects on the journey with gratitude.

“So far, so good. I can’t complain. I have to be grateful. It has been nothing but hard work. We are grateful for the orders we are receiving, almost on a daily basis.”

Dinda Technologies briefly partnered with two major retailers, but the arrangement proved unsustainable.

“Until recently, some of our products were available at two leading retailers, but we had to terminate the agreement as it was not profitable,” he notes.

“We are now using agents and distributors to sell our products. We are also starting to work with many pharmacies.”

For Mthebule, Dinda Technologies represents more than just a business. It is a mission to bridge the gap between indigenous knowledge and modern applications.

For more information on Dinda Technologies, visit their TikTok page: @dinda_products or call 082 402 2445. 

Sedfa can be reached at www.sedfa.org.za