Durban University of Technology biotechnology graduate…

Durban University of Technology biotechnology graduate Masibongwe Mthethwa’s promotion of a healthy diet has won her R140000 in the South African Breweries kickstart competition.The entrepreneur (24) owns Frutee Belliez, which sells fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables to caterers in Umlazi. She takes seriously the role of educating her community about healthy eating. “Growing up i saw how not eating healthily affected peoples health and i knew that i had to do something about it. “Telling people about the benefits of eating fruit and vegetables did not help. That is where the idea of the business came from, in 2009, said Mthethwa. For young entrepreneurs , finance is often a hurdle, as it was for Mthethwa. She often had to make deliveries on foot because she could not afford a van. “I hear about the competition on radio and put together a business plan, but i never thought i would win. “Now expanding my business by purchasing a truck and moving to bigger premises is finally possible,” she said. Making a profit is only half of her ambition as the vital part is mentoring school children. “Obesity and malnutrition are serious issues and pupils need to be educated about them. “Biotechnology has equipped me with skills and it is my duty to share them with my community through school presentations,” said Mthethwa