Home-grown Juice Brand Flourishes with Joburg Market Support
Joburg Market welcomes Zazi Juice, a proudly South African success story. At 51, Thobeka Zazi Ndabula is a testament to perseverance and passion. As the founder of Zazi Juice, she recently secured approval to manufacture and sell her products at Joburg Market’s trading facility in Hall 1—marking a major milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
Ndabula’s business began in her kitchen when she made her first batch of juice for her sister’s grandson. His love for it sparked an idea, and during the Covid-19 lockdown, she turned that idea into a business. Zazi Juice embodies resilience, creativity, and community spirit.
During the lockdown, she helped distribute food parcels filled with fresh produce from Joburg Market to communities in need. At the time, she never imagined she would one day run her own business inside one of the largest fresh produce markets in the SADC region.
She first applied for a trading facility at Joburg Market in 2020. After four years of persistence, she finally received approval—a turning point for her business.
“Operating inside the largest fresh produce market as a black woman is an honour,” says Ndabula. “Zazi Juice is 100% healthy and proudly South African. The branding embraces our heritage, and I am proud to contribute to the agro-processing sector.”
Joburg Market plays a crucial role in supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) like Zazi Juice. By providing trading facilities and opportunities, the market helps entrepreneurs thrive, aligning with government efforts to empower SMMEs and build a sustainable economic ecosystem.
Beyond juice-making, Ndabula has a passion for storytelling. At 35, she authored a book about Epainette Nomaka Mbeki, the mother of former President Thabo Mbeki, reflecting her deep commitment to preserving South African heritage.
Now, as she settles into her new facility at Joburg Market, Ndabula is optimistic about Zazi Juice’s future. She is deeply grateful for the support she has received.
“The support has been invaluable. It’s given me the tools to grow my business and contribute to the local economy,” she says.
Ndabula’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of persistence and the importance of platforms like Joburg Market in fostering home-grown talent. With her unique brand, she’s not only quenching customers’ thirst but also inspiring others to chase their dreams.
