PANTSULA LA JAM

Gontse Selaocoe is a 22-year-old from Orange Farm. He is a young farmer, agro-processor and an entrepreneur. He is also known as Pantsula la Jam. I caught up with him to find out all about his jam business.

How did your jam business come about? I was inspired by my grandparents as I used to go to the garden with my grandfather at an early age to farm vegetables. He is still my inspiration as I’m working with him and getting motivation from him. My grandmother inspired me with her cooking skills. Her mother-in-law taught her how to cook jam. When we used to harvest tomatoes and yellow melons, she would make jam for my family. Then after my matric in 2019 I decided to start my own jam business. I saw it as a great business opportunity that I would take and push with my vision of kasi lifestyle “Pantsula culture”.

How did you decide on the flavours of your jam? The tomato and melon flavours have always been a family recipe and I introduced Pear and Peach as I wanted to expand my business. How has your business journey since you started? It has been a very challenging journey with betrayals, happiness and achievements.

You’re a dancer who is also an entrepreneur. Why is important for you to be both? I was a Pantsula since high school, and people used talk bad about the Pantsula culture. I’ve been known as a Pantsula for more than 7 years now. I didn’t want to leave my originality of being a Pantsula behind and that how the name of “Pantsula la Jam” came and it was also going to be an easy way for me to promote the product with what I was known for.

What has kept you going on tough days? My grandparents and parents have kept me going with the support and assistance I’ve been receiving from them. As well as the people who do great things out there. They keep on motivating me.

The journey of an entrepreneur comes with a lot of challenges. Which challenges have you faced? have faced challenges at the place that where I plant my products. My crops have been stolen from my garden on more than one occasion. Also, the place I use as a work space to produce the jam is too small so I don’t have enough space to store my jam after production as well as my products after harvest.

What advice would you give to young aspiring entrepreneurs? would advise young aspiring entrepreneurs to keep on working hard and they should stay focused. We as young people always get negative words from peers and that should drag you down but it should build you instead.

How has your audience/customers received your products? My customers are so happy about the Jam that All Day Jam sells, because most of the flavours that we offer and our jam has limited sugar to accommodate everyone.

How much does each container of jam cost? Each bottle of jam (500g bottle) cost R30 and next month end it will cost R35.

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