Nontetho Smith: Purpose, Perseverance, and Upliftment

Early Life and Inspiration

Nontetho Smith was born in Nquthu, a rural town nestled in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal. Her childhood was shaped by her family’s eventual move to Durban, where new opportunities awaited. Today, she stands as the founder and managing director of Uthingo Mills, an agri-processing company that produces one of South Africa’s most essential staple foods. Beyond her business pursuits, Nontetho also leads a non-profit organisation called Look Up Ark, which is dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism by guiding them towards recovery. In addition to these roles, she manages a small record label focused on South African gospel music, nurturing a select group of artists and helping them share their voices with the world.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Through Look Up Ark, Nontetho is deeply involved in community outreach. She makes regular visits to schools, delivers talks on radio programs, and collaborates with organisations that address gender-based violence. Her focus is on illuminating the connection between substance abuse and domestic harm, using her own journey to recovery as a beacon of hope and guidance. For Nontetho, these efforts are far more than business ventures. “I have always been inspired to do something purposeful,” she affirms. “With my journey being one of recovery from addiction, that has become my inspiration to help others get to where I am.”

Childhood Memories and the Origin of Uthingo Mills

Nontetho’s entrepreneurial journey into maize milling finds its roots in her formative years. She fondly remembers watching her grandmother and great-grandmother use a manual grinding machine to prepare maize meal for their community. “We never used to get a lot of visitors, but every Friday or Saturday, people would come to collect maize meal,” she recalls warmly. This memory resurfaced years later when she heard a government official discuss the scarcity of women in agriculture during a radio interview. Inspired by the vivid recollection of her grandmother at the grinding machine, she decided to establish Uthingo Mills. Her vision was to provide high-quality, affordable maize meal while simultaneously creating jobs and uplifting communities. Her academic background in marketing reinforced her determination, as she learned that maize meal remains a staple product, especially during challenging times like the Covid pandemic when food security became paramount.

Leadership Philosophy and Empowerment

For Nontetho, the true measure of her company’s worth lies in its people. She prioritises understanding each individual she works with, taking a genuine interest in their goals and well-being. She recounts the story of a young man, unemployed for five years, who borrowed money just to attend a job interview for a merchandising role at her company. He is now one of her most dedicated employees, helping the business reach new retail spaces. “When people see that you value them, they give you their best,” she explains, underscoring her belief in valuing people beyond their deliverables.

Building Beyond Barriers

Establishing Uthingo Mills was no easy feat; it demanded not only vision but significant financial courage. It took Nontetho three years to raise the capital necessary to launch the business. Even before securing the funds to start production, she managed to obtain a contract with Spar, who agreed to stock her brand once she was ready. This early opportunity provided crucial leverage to attract investment.

Today, Uthingo Mills supplies distributors across KwaZulu-Natal, including areas like KwaMashu, Phoenix, Kokstad, and the South Coast. With the support of her husband, Chris Smith, the company has expanded into Gauteng, reaching markets in Soweto and Johannesburg. Looking ahead, Nontetho’s sights are set on Limpopo, and she sees further potential in exporting to countries such as Congo and Zambia, which frequently import products from South Africa. Yet, the path to growth is fraught with challenges. “Maize meal is very price-sensitive,” she notes. Expanding into new regions requires significant capital, and negotiating better prices or discounts is difficult without a broad market presence.

The Role of Mentorship

Mentorship has been instrumental in shaping Nontetho’s entrepreneurial journey. At a milling conference in Johannesburg, she met Frans Duur, an industry expert who has mentored her for over a decade and remains a steadfast source of guidance. His advice helped her master production processes, maintain quality standards, and manage costs effectively. Reflecting on her experience, Nontetho emphasises the value of mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. “It is important to understand the industry you are entering and whether it is profitable and sustainable,” she advises. “Get people who have been there before to guide you, even if only for a short time.”

Living Aligned with Purpose

Despite her demanding professional life, Nontetho remains steadfast in her commitment to helping others through Look Up Ark. “It is so fulfilling when someone calls to say, ‘I have not had a drink in three months because of what you said,’” she shares. These moments reinforce her sense of purpose. Faith and spirituality are central to her life as well. “I am a woman of faith, so prayer and meditation work for me,” she says. Observing the Sabbath—a day of rest dedicated to recharging—also brings her balance and peace. Additionally, she finds relaxation and joy in music, often listening to the gospel artists she supports.

Advice for the Next Generation

To young people, Nontetho offers wisdom rooted in her own life’s lessons: “Try to align your work with your purpose. There will be difficult times, and if your work does not fulfil you, it is easier to give up.” She recounts a conversation with a friend who, despite retiring early with financial security, found little happiness or fulfilment. “There needs to be something more than just making money. For me, purpose lies in helping people, whether through feeding communities, providing jobs, or guiding someone through recovery.”

A Legacy of Vision and Perseverance

Nontetho Smith’s life story is one of vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. As she reflects, “At the end of the day, if what I do touches even one life, then it has all been worth it.”