For her Master’s research, Ms Chauke examined the nutraceutical potential of indigenous fruits, and found that many of these fruits possess strong nutritional and medicinal properties, yet remain largely underexplored and under-commercialised.
“I noticed a clear gap in the market; there are very few indigenous food-based products available, despite many of these fruits being consumed and well known in local communities. My findings also confirmed that these fruits have nutraceutical potential,” she explains.
This combination of scientific evidence and market opportunity led her to product development, with the aim of translating research findings into accessible nutritional products. That realisation informed the establishment of RitaVita Naturals, which focuses on developing functional food products – particularly juices and jams made from indigenous fruits.
“These products are designed to be rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that can contribute to daily mineral intake, help meet nutritional requirements, and support the management of mineral deficiencies,” she explains.
Following the launch of her products, Ms Chauke began testing the market through entrepreneurship and pitching competitions. She reached the finals of the 2025 EDHE Intervarsity Competition, participated in the national rounds of the 2026 Hult Prize South Africa competition, and pitched in the TIA YAE Provincial Competition.
“All this was made possible by the UMP Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CFERI), which has assisted in cultivating my entrepreneurial mindset and exposed me to several business development opportunities."
She was also recently selected through UMP CFERI to attend an entrepreneurship workshop organised by the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa, where she further developed skills in pitching, investor engagement, business development, and management.
“These experiences have strengthened my confidence and belief in the future of RitaVita Naturals. Reaching these stages has been encouraging and has reinforced my belief in the potential of the business,” she said.
Ms Chauke began testing her business idea and entrepreneurship skills by pitching at competitions.
Research with real-world application
Currently in the second year of her PhD, Ms Chauke is focused on research with practical relevance. Her work centres on understanding the value of indigenous plants that have long been used by communities, yet remain scientifically underexplored and under-commercialised.
She believes indigenous African plant resources hold untapped potential for nutrition, healthcare, and economic development. Through her research and entrepreneurial work, Ms Chauke is demonstrating how science, innovation, and indigenous knowledge can intersect to produce solutions that are both socially relevant and economically viable.
Her long-term vision for RitaVita Naturals is to grow into a globally recognised natural products company that promotes and commercialises African indigenous plant resources sustainably.
"I want the business to work closely with local communities and contribute towards employment creation and income-generating opportunities.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.