Some press releases mark not just a company milestone but a national turning point. This release for House of Hemp captured a historic achievement: the awarding of South Africa’s first private commercial cannabis production license. It framed the win not only as a business development but as the start of a new, job-creating industry rooted in indigenous knowledge and global competitiveness.
The Press Release
The House of Hemp Strikes Green Gold for South Africa for the Second Time in History
Front-runners in the quest for using South Africa’s indigenous knowledge rights to commercialize medical marijuana and by products produced from hemp for the benefit and upliftment of our local economy, House of Hemp has been honored as the first private company to receive a license to commence commercial production.
Founder and visionary Dr Thandeka Kunene comments: “We celebrate this success for all of South Africa. It has been a 20 year journey of endeavour to fulfil a vision for a new industry that speaks to our nation’s cultural heritage, our skills, our resources and as a new business arm that will compete with global players. We believe we have received this honour based on our meritocracy fuelled by our passion and years of research. We are ready to fuel a new industry for South Africa in the product of hemp.”
History repeats itself
Since its grass roots endeavors in 1999, when House of Hemp first set down its mandate to be a part of a new South Africa focused on reducing poverty and creating jobs, its 28 black directors lobbied for their vision of a future hemp industry and won the first permit granted by the South African government at that time for cultivating hemp for commercial research purposes.
Working with research arm of the University of Free State and the Department of Science & Technology on non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and its uses in the medical, food, textile, and fuel industries, House of Hemp’s exemplary protocols based on foundational values as a company has seen the company expand its footprint over the past twenty years. The result of House of Hemp’s efforts, together with the Department of Agriculture has charted a corruption-proof path towards a legitimate business blueprint for hemp production in South Africa.
Hi-tech operations underway
Following the recent granting of the first license for commercial production of Medical Cannabis within the new proposed Medical Controls Council (MCC) guidelines, operations have already ramped up at Dube Trade port’s AgriZone complex – one of the most high-tech agricultural facilities in Africa.
Once in full operation, House of Hemp will not only compete with the current high-value import industry but says it is poised to create 500 000 jobs in as little as 36 months and play a pivotal role in the countries future according to its National Development Plant (NPD).
With licenses already operating in Zimbabwe and Lesotho and the global success of hemp industries as seen especially in Canada and the United States, South Africa has, with the granting of the license for commercial hemp production, taken the first step to using its natural resources and cultural traditions as a mechanism to creating jobs while at the same time developing commercial opportunity to benefit agriculture, retail and government sectors.
Says Dr Kunene says: “We welcome discussions from other players in the industry who share the same vision and will continue to seek opportunities for our country by partnering for a rainbow nation that empowers everyone.”
A media briefing will take place on the 24th April 2019 at a venue in Johannesburg where the full roll out of House of Hemp’s strategy and its potential will be presented and where relevant stakeholders and potential investors can have their questions answered.
All enquiries can be directed to E: info@ihouseohemp.co.za
Results & Impact
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Positioned House of Hemp as an industry leader and first mover in South Africa’s cannabis and hemp economy.
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Elevated the role of founder Dr. Thandeka Kunene as a visionary voice in indigenous knowledge and commercial innovation.
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Generated interest from investors, government stakeholders, and international media in the future of the cannabis industry in South Africa.
Visuals (Optional Enhancements)
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Image of Dr. Thandeka Kunene.
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Photo of Dube TradePort AgriZone facilities.
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Infographic showing projected job creation and economic impact.
Closing / Call-to-Action
This release demonstrates the power of framing a single license approval as a transformative industry moment. For companies navigating regulation, innovation, and market entry, strategic messaging like this builds credibility, attracts partners, and anchors public perception at launch.