Mxolisi Mhlongo, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from KwaZulu-Natal, has transformed his business, Euphrosyne, into a successful green enterprise. Mhlongo, a former journalist, had a series of setbacks in his media career, including repeated resignations and job losses. However, in 2018, he decided to leave the corporate world and build something of his own. This decision led him to explore the idea of supplying wood to a commercial buyer, which eventually evolved into turning invasive alien vegetation into charcoal.
Euphrosyne, founded by Mhlongo, clears about 60 hectares of invasive vegetation each month and converts it into roughly 40 tons of charcoal. The company employs nine permanent workers and four temporary staff and works with smaller rural producers. Mhlongo's business model involves identifying invasive species, harvesting the biomass, and converting it into charcoal in metal kilns using pyrolysis. This approach provides communities with an alternative to cutting indigenous trees while creating work around clearing, transport, and production.
Mhlongo's journey to success was not without challenges. Euphrosyne initially operated at Coastal Cashews farm in KwaNgwanase, but local political tensions forced the farm to close. The company later lost a major client, Ilangabi Cooperative, and faced significant setbacks during the July 2021 unrest. The loss of an entire truckload set the company back about four months and left it unable to pay employees. Further difficulties followed in KwaJobe, where local groups demanded a minimum daily wage that the start-up could not sustain.
Despite the challenges, Mhlongo persevered and eventually found a breakthrough through a partnership with E&C Charcoal. This partnership brought greater market stability and enabled Euphrosyne to expand beyond its own production. The company now provides technical guidance, quality-control support, and access to buyers to smaller rural charcoal producers. This approach creates a true multiplier effect throughout the local economy, as stated by Mhlongo.
Mhlongo's business has not only created jobs but also contributes to environmental conservation. By using invasive alien vegetation as feedstock, Euphrosyne helps reduce the pressure on indigenous forests in water-scarce areas. The company's environmental focus, rural impact, and business model have value beyond its immediate financial struggles, as recognised by Mhlongo's mentor, Rest Kanju. This recognition helped Mhlongo to hold on to his vision and eventually achieve success.
Euphrosyne's success has also earned Mhlongo a nomination as a finalist in the Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year category of the 2026 Business Partners Limited Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. The winners will be announced on October 22. Mhlongo's achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to creating a sustainable business that benefits both the environment and local communities.
Mhlongo's story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact. His journey demonstrates that with perseverance and the right support, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve success. As Euphrosyne continues to grow and expand its operations, it is likely to create even more jobs and contribute to environmental conservation in KwaZulu-Natal.
Key points
- Mxolisi Mhlongo's business, Euphrosyne, turns invasive alien vegetation into charcoal, creating jobs and supporting rural producers in KwaZulu-Natal.
