Retang Phaahla on preserving indigenous knowledge, empowering women, and building sustainable communities through Setšong Tea Crafters.
Sekhukhune, South Africa (19 August 2025) – In the hills of Sekhukhune, Limpopo, something revolutionary is being brewed. One cup at a time. At the heart of it is Retang Phaahla, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Setšong Tea Crafters, which was established alongside her mother, Nondumiso Phaala. Setsong translates to culture, showing this is a purpose-led brand that is preserving indigenous knowledge systems while creating opportunities for rural women.
Originally trained as a quantity surveyor, Retang’s career seemed destined for the corporate world. Yet her passion for sustainable development and deep connection to culture drew her toward a different journey. Placing her at the intersection of community, heritage, and entrepreneurship.
At the core of everything she does is culture. Very unapologetic about displaying her culture, that belief has guided her work in rural communities, where she has helped women transform challenges into opportunities. In one of the communities she works closely with, a woman shareholder was inspired to start an early childhood development centre.
“She’s teaching the children, raising them on indigenous knowledge systems, so teaching them about their culture from an early age,” says Retang.
For her, it is these small but profound acts of preservation that create long-term impact. Her journey shows that heritage is not something of the past, but the foundation of sustainable futures.
In another community, a group of women began hand-stitching teabags after receiving training through a partnership initiative. Many of them were once excluded from formal opportunities. They now contribute their skills to the hospitality sector.
“Many of these women had never imagined themselves as part of the economy. Now they’re producing teabags that are being sold into the hospitality industry. That’s transformation in action,” she says proudly.
For Retang, leadership has never been about titles or accolades. It’s about purpose, heritage, and people. Long before she was named the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award winner, her path was shaped by a desire to honour her roots and open doors for others. Her recognition as the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award winner is something she accepts with humility.
“It’s really amazing. It’s completely validating. It shows that the world is ready for Africa and African stories and solutions. It also validates the need for the work that we’re doing in terms of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and developing the rural economy.”
But for her, the award is not hers alone.
“It’s not just an award for me, it’s really for those rural women with all that knowledge. A lot of them were never able to access formal education. Some of them didn’t even finish primary school, but they’re so knowledgeable in terms of their indigenous knowledge.”
The women she works alongside echo resilience.
“Many of these women are widows themselves, similar to Madame Clicquot as well, who was a widow and took over her husband’s business at the age of 27. A lot of the women in our organisation have similar stories and hardship.”
For Retang, boldness looks like women shaping their own futures, while keeping heritage alive.
Her journey is not just about tea, business, or awards. It is about proving that heritage, when nurtured, can fuel futures.
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