In the heart of Pretoria West stands a soya-crushing plant that defies conventional wisdom and challenges the status quo. This is the home of Pretoria Protein, where a team of self-proclaimed “soya rebels” is transforming not just beans but the future of protein security across an entire continent.
South Africa’s soybean industry has experienced remarkable growth since its introduction in the early 1900s. While production gradually expanded over decades, the last 15 years have witnessed unprecedented acceleration. Between 2010 and 2020, for example, local soybean production surged by 76%, leading to soya-crushing volumes rising an astonishing 202%.
The dramatic growth has reduced dependence on external sources, although the country still accounts for a substantial portion of Sub-Saharan Africa’s imported soybean meal. This situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity – one that the rebels at Pretoria Protein are tackling head-on.
Their mission is focused on optimal resource usage across bean processing, human capital development, and environmental stewardship. The words “Protein for Africa” emblazoned on their silos aren’t just there for show; they serve as a vision statement. As the young Turk in the market, Pretoria Protein Company doesn’t, however, play by all the established rules.
When it began operating in October 2024, it was immediately ready to spark a revolution.
“Within hours of commencing operations, our product met all specifications,” remarks Fanie Schoeman, CEO, with justified pride. Schoeman modestly omits that he was instrumental in helping build this crushing plant from the ground up, achieving in just hours what typically takes one to three months.
By February 2025, the facility had already processed approximately 40,000 tonnes of soybeans – averaging 9,000 tonnes per month. An expansion in June will increase the annual capacity to 200,000 tonnes by the end of 2025. This will also increase employment opportunities beyond the 80 new jobs already created.
“If your people are doing well, your product performs well.” Schoeman notes, underlining the commitment to quality through technology and personnel development.
Most notably, Pretoria Protein Company is Africa’s first energy-neutral soybean crushing operation and one of only a handful worldwide. This is made possible by using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, resulting in reduced dependence on coal and lower carbon emissions.
The plant’s revolutionary approach extends to its zero-waste principles. Every part of the bean is fully utilised for multiple applications, yielding soybean meal, -oil, and -hulls that provide high-quality products to farmers and animal feed producers.
Working in tandem with Pretoria Protein Company is Pretoria Protein Trading, headed by CEO and co-founder Mpumi Mahlangu – a disruptive force whose journey embodies the “rebel spirit”.
From humble beginnings on a farm in Limpopo, Mahlangu’s path to becoming a pioneering black female CEO in the agricultural sector is awe-inspiring. Her unique perspective, shaped by experiences in computer science, telecommunications, and entrepreneurship, has positioned her to lead Pretoria Protein Trading’s ambitious market development strategy.
Mahlangu’s disruption of the market goes beyond product innovation. As co-founder of a predominantly female B-BBEE company, she’s breaking into the traditionally male-dominated soya and agriculture market, inspiring more women to follow suit.
“Our vision extends beyond traditional animal feed markets to addressing food security challenges throughout Africa,” explains Mahlangu. “By developing affordable, high-protein soya products, we can make nutritious food more accessible to communities that need it most.”
“We’re not just building a business; we’re strengthening a community and creating a sustainable protein source for future generations,” Mahlangu emphasises.
South Africa’s flourishing soya industry, led by these rebels, provides a model for agricultural innovation throughout Africa. For farmers, investors, and businesses, the invitation is clear: join the revolution!
What does the revolution look like? It has a name: Só-Ja!
Join the discussion at www.so-ja.co.za
