Peter masunda showoff his Monate smooth peanut butter products.
By: Refilwe Sebola
It is rare to find individuals whose dreams and visions are centered around helping others, especially in a world where many focus solely on their own needs. One such person is Peter Masunda from Ga-Kgapane township in the Letaba region of the Mopani district, Limpopo Province. The 53-year-old, who spent 19 years as a quality controller at Khulani Timbers in Modjadjiskloof, has started his own peanut butter manufacturing business after witnessing a rising level of unemployment in his community.
Driven by his passion and skills in peanut butter production, he invested the last of his savings from his previous job to buy a peanut butter-making machine, with the goal of creating job opportunities. “I wanted to create something sustainable that would benefit not just me, but the whole community,” said Peter.
His company, Monate Smooth Peanut Butter, is based in Ga-Kgapane and produces delicious, smooth peanut butter made from locally grown peanuts. Currently, Peter operates the business from home and sells his product to local shops and customers. As his business is still in its early stages, he is working with two volunteers but plans to start paying them and to hire more staff as the company expands.
Peter is actively seeking financial support to purchase additional equipment and to acquire or build a larger facility for increased peanut butter production and employment opportunities. Those interested in supporting his venture can contact him at 072 298 4966 or email him at monatesmoothpeanutbutter@gmail.com.