By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Itumeleng Moleko, the visionary founder and owner of Atlehang Foods, is reshaping Lesotho’s food industry with her range of health-focused biscuits and juices. What began as a simple idea during the COVID-19 lockdown has blossomed into a thriving business, built on a foundation of family values, perseverance, and a commitment to community empowerment.
The name “Atlehang” carries deep personal significance. Inspired by her daughter, Atlehang, who unknowingly became the muse behind the company, the name reflects the importance of family and the drive to create something with a lasting impact.
What started as a playful suggestion from her daughter during the lockdown, “Mommy, let’s make some juice,” sparked a journey that would not only provide healthy food alternatives for the family but also benefit the broader community.
Atlehang Foods’ origin story is rooted in the challenges of the pandemic when families were confined to their homes for extended periods. Like many parents, Itumeleng faced the daily task of keeping her children entertained while ensuring they remained healthy. This led to a light-hearted kitchen experiment that would become life-changing.
Atlehang’s innocent suggestion to make juice at home quickly evolved into a family project. Itumeleng began experimenting with natural, healthy ingredients, initially to keep her children engaged. The juices soon gained popularity with family and friends, inspiring her to think beyond her household.
With time, Itumeleng expanded her product range to include nutritious biscuits, creating a brand that caters to both children and adults seeking healthier snack options.
“It was important to me that the food I was giving to my children was nourishing and free from unnecessary chemicals. That same principle is at the core of Atlehang Foods today,” says Moleko.
What sets Atlehang Foods apart is its unwavering focus on nutrition and health. Each product is carefully crafted with locally sourced, natural ingredients, reflecting Moleko’s dedication to promoting wellness in her community. The biscuits, packed with essential vitamins and minerals, offer a healthy snack alternative, while the juices, made from fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a refreshing break from the sugary, processed drinks that dominate store shelves.
In a world increasingly aware of the importance of nutrition, Moleko’s products align with global health trends while remaining deeply rooted in Lesotho’s agricultural landscape. By sourcing ingredients locally, Atlehang Foods not only guarantees the freshness and quality of its offerings but also supports local farmers and suppliers, contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.
“Our health as a nation begins with what we eat,” Moleko asserts. “Through Atlehang Foods, I want to help families make better choices and lead healthier lives.”
Atlehang Foods is more than just a business for Itumeleng, it is a platform for community empowerment. Her commitment to sourcing ingredients locally ensures that the company’s growth positively impacts small-scale farmers, creating economic opportunities in rural areas. This approach not only supports local agriculture but also contributes to sustainable development by encouraging eco-friendly farming practices.
Moleko’s long-term vision includes building partnerships with more farmers and suppliers, ensuring that the benefits of Atlehang Foods extend beyond the consumers to the producers. “By working with local suppliers, we can uplift the community and ensure that everyone involved in the process, from farm to table benefits,” she explains.
Itumeleng’s entrepreneurial journey reached a significant milestone when she joins to participate in Sebabatso, a prestigious local initiative lauched by Hon. Prime Minister Samuel Matekane.
Sebabatso, which brings together upcoming entrepreneurs in Lesotho, provides participants with essential training in business management, marketing, mentorship and finance.
Through Sebabatso, Moleko honed her business acumen and learned how to navigate the complexities of running a small enterprise. She credits the program with teaching her the tools needed to scale her business and manage finances effectively, which have been crucial in expanding Atlehang Foods’ market reach.
“It has been a tough competition, and being among the top 30 has been both challenging and rewarding,” says Moleko. “Even if I do not win, the knowledge I have gained through Sebabatso has been invaluable. It has given me the confidence to grow my business.”
Her participation in Sebabatso is a testament to her resilience and desire to improve not only her business but also herself as a leader. “The pandemic taught me that in the most difficult times, there are always opportunities to innovate and grow,” she reflects. “Sebabatso reinforced that lesson and showed me that with the right mindset, anything is possible.”
Beyond her role as a businesswoman, Moleko is passionate about inspiring others, especially women, to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. She understands the unique challenges women face in business and is determined to support and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to make their mark.
“It is not always easy, but I want women to know that they have the power to succeed. Whether it is starting a small business or managing a family, resilience and determination will carry you through,” she shares.
Her advice to upcoming entrepreneurs is simple, take advantage of the internet and digital platforms. Moleko herself discovered Sebabatso and other opportunities through online research, and she encourages others to do the same. “There’s a world of opportunities out there, and the internet can be your gateway,” she adds.
Looking to the future, Moleko has ambitious plans for Atlehang Foods. She is working on expanding her product line to offer more health-conscious snacks and beverages, with a focus on serving a broader demographic. Additionally, she aims to increase her distribution network, initially targeting neighbouring countries to spread her message of health and wellness beyond Lesotho’s borders.
Atlehang Foods is currently a household name in local markets, and Moleko envisions taking her brand to greater heights by building a regional presence. “I want to see Atlehang Foods on shelves across Lesotho and international markets, helping more people make better choices for their health,” she says.
For Itumeleng Moleko, Atlehang Foods is more than a business, it is a movement dedicated to improving the health of communities while empowering local economies. Her journey from a simple kitchen experiment to leading a recognized brand is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a desire to make a positive difference.
With every biscuit sold and juice bottle shared, Atlehang Foods is building a healthier, stronger future for Lesotho, one that nourishes not only the body but the soul of the nation.