Lenaka gin: A new wave of tradition in South Africa's beverage landscape

IN THE valleys and villages of Limpopo, stories of resilience and strength have always been passed down through generations.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

SEEMA “Khutso” Masekwameng, the founder of Lenaka Beverages (Pty) Ltd, based in Solomondale, Limpopo.

(MANQOBA NKOSI)

Among them was the tale of Lenaka — a revered drink spoken of by elders with awe and respect.

More than just a beverage, it symbolised courage, endurance, and the fire of the soul.

Today, that ancient spirit has been reborn in a modern form, carried forward by a new custodian of tradition: Seema "Khutso" Masekwameng (32), the founder of Lenaka Beverages (Pty) Ltd, based in Solomondale.

"When I grew up, we used to watch the soapies on television," Masekwameng recalls. "The old men would say Lenaka la monna'a mosepidi — the horn of a hardworking man.

"It stood for resilience and the ability to provide. That's the legacy I wanted to capture."

With that inspiration, Masekwameng created Lenaka Gin, a premium range of handcrafted spirits infused with botanicals. The flagship, retailing at R370, carries its price tag not just as a number, but as a reflection of the craftsmanship and dedication behind each bottle.

The entrepreneur, who likes to quib that he drinks for a living, says he is not fazed by eyebrows raised due to the price tag because he knows the hard work done to bring it to life and the logistics of distilling in the Western Cape.