Small seeds, big vision: how NYS chillies took off

When the COVID 19 lockdown brought the country to a standstill in 2021, many South Africans struggled to make ends meet. 

For Sebokeng entrepreneur Nozipho Sithetho (38), the difficult period sparked an unexpected opportunity that led to the creation of NYS Chillies Relish, a fast growing local condiment brand.

Sithetho, who previously worked as a bond originator, has always loved spicy food. With only essential shopping allowed at the time, she began experimenting at home using chillies from her family’s four small trees.

After drying them, she tried making a relish. Her partner enjoyed the first batch and encouraged her to sell it. 

With just R300, she registered NTNS Trading and began producing NYS Chilli Relish, selling at local markets and online, slowly building a loyal customer base. 

Government support

In 2022, Sithetho approached the Innovation Hub’s eKasi Labs in Sebokeng for guidance. 

“I told them [about my work and] asked for help perfecting my prototype,” Sithetho explained. The programme helped her improve her product, packaging and branding.

The Innovation Hub connected her to Small enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) which assisted with marketing, a food handling certificate and enhanced packaging. 

Her product moved from basic achaar style containers to premium 250 ml glass jars, helping preserve freshness and improving shelf appeal. She also secured a trademark for her business.

The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) awarded her a R35 000 grant that helped her to buy essentials such as a fridge, laptop, raw materials and packaging. A second R35 000 grant helped her purchase a gazebo, tables, chairs and branded banners for market stalls.

Sithetho’s determination paid off. In 2023, she placed third in the Gauteng Provincial Government and Standard Bank Township Business Development Programme (South of Gauteng) and fourth in SEDFA’s Business Development Programme. 

Today, NYS Chillies Relish supplies three shisa nyamas in Sebokeng and has secured retail space at a local BP garage, with plans to expand further. 

Sithetho hopes to start farming her own chillies and ingredients to reduce costs and ensure quality from farm to jar. ¥

To place orders, contact NYS Chillies Relish on 061 377 2318.

Start your business journey with government support

Contact SEDFA for business support - www.sedfa.org.za 

In Gauteng?

Apply for funding at GEP - www.gep.co.za. 

Starting up in a township? 

Contact eKasiLabs - theinnovationhub.com