Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing holistic growth and leadership among its students. This commitment shines through the inspiring story of Abundance in the Box, a health-focused business founded by Bachelor of Science students Tshiamo Diale and Nonhlanhla Nobantu Chwene. Their entrepreneurial venture, which brings fresh produce to SMU’s campus, is more than just a business—it’s a revolution inspiring healthier living among students and staff.
Abundance in the box: Tshiamo Diale and Nonhlanhla Nobantu Chwene inspire a health revolution at SMU
“The idea was born out of necessity,” Diale reflects. “We realised there was no access to fresh produce on campus, and we saw an opportunity to bridge the gap. It’s about more than selling fruits and vegetables; it’s about showing that ‘health is wealth,’ even in a fast-paced student environment.”
The pair started humbly, with grapes as their first offering. “Grapes were a hit,” Chwene recalls. “Every box sold felt like a small triumph.” Encouraged by the response, they expanded their selection to include vegetables and other fruits, steadily growing their reach. “We wanted to offer a real taste of nature’s abundance,” Diale adds.
SMU’s vibrant and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem played a crucial role in their journey. Participating in the university’s Student Entrepreneurship Competition gave them invaluable insights. “It was an eye-opener,” Diale says. “Learning from other student entrepreneurs, both their successes and their challenges, helped us refine our approach.” Their dedication paid off, earning them the Best Teamwork Award, a testament to their collaboration and problem-solving skills.
“Communication and authenticity have been our strongest assets,” Chwene explains. “We address challenges head-on and embrace our creative differences, which often lead to new ideas. Winning the award reinforced the importance of staying true to our vision.”
Starting a fresh produce business came with its own hurdles. With an initial self-funded investment of R1600, they faced logistical difficulties, such as securing transportation and storage for perishable goods. “Storage was tough without a fridge, and transporting fresh produce wasn’t easy,” Diale admits. However, support from friends, including Kamva Mokhoke and Phillip Matemera, helped them overcome these obstacles.
Their dedication to quality has been unwavering. “We restock twice a week to ensure everything is fresh,” says Chwene. Balancing the demands of running a business with academic responsibilities requires discipline and effective time management. “We’ve found a rhythm—dedicating specific days for business tasks and ensuring we don’t neglect our studies,” Diale explains.
Abundance in the Box has grown beyond a simple business, becoming a beacon for healthier choices on campus. “We want to be that constant reminder for our community to prioritise wellness,” says Chwene. Their vision includes expanding into smoothies, fruit platters, and other offerings to promote health and wellness further.
Their story exemplifies SMU’s role as an incubator for innovation, fostering students who excel academically and create meaningful change in their communities. “SMU has given us the platform and resources to bring our vision to life,” Diale says.
As they look to the future, the pair remain committed to learning and growing. “Entrepreneurship is an ongoing journey,” Chwene shares. “We constantly adapt and improve based on our experiences.”
Diale offers this advice for aspiring student entrepreneurs: “Don’t hold back. Use every opportunity to learn and be ready to implement your knowledge.”
Through Abundance in the Box, Diale and Chwene have shown that it’s possible to inspire positive change with determination, collaboration, and the right support. Their initiative serves as a model of entrepreneurial success and underscores SMU’s reputation as a university that cultivates leaders and innovators dedicated to improving lives.
