Page 169 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2025 V1-EBOOK

The company’s genesis is tied to a commitment to
unlock the economic potential embedded in South
Africa’s rich biodiversity, multicultural traditions,
and agricultural heritage. With a core focus on the
pharma-nutrition, food and beverage, agricultural,
and cannabis industries, The Testing Company has
taken on the role of a trusted enabler. It provides not
only testing but also regulatory compliance support,
product development consultation, and market
access assistance.
“Our mission is about democratising access to
quality testing, especially for traditional healers,
small-scale growers, and community producers,”
says Chief Operations Officer Shivani Rampersad.
“We aim to level the playing field so that quality
and safety are not privileges, but standard practice
accessible to all.”
The MobileLab Advantage: Bringing Science to particularly in newer markets such as medical
the Field cannabis and complementary medicines. By providing
One of the company’s most innovative contributions reliable data and advocating for science-based
is its MobileLab, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility policies, the company supports the formalisation and
housed within shipping containers. These mobile units legitimisation of these sectors.
are deployed to semi-rural and rural areas, allowing on- Testing, the company asserts, is not just about safety.
site, real-time testing services that eliminate logistical It is a catalyst for broader economic growth. Accurate
bottlenecks and reduce environmental impact. labelling, dosage clarity, and quality control not only
Beyond their scientific capabilities, MobileLabs protect consumers but also open up export channels,
embody a philosophy of sustainability and community attract investment, and boost local production.
involvement. Local community members are Certified to ISO 17025:2017 and ISO 22000:2018
recruited and trained to staff the labs, creating direct standards, The Testing Company is also licensed
employment and building a foundation for future by South African Health Products Regulatory
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Authority (SAHPRA) and actively collaborates with
(STEM) talent in underserved areas. leading institutions such as the Durban University
With tailored solutions for cannabis products, of Technology (DUT). The company is part of
food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal research initiatives on cannabinoid testing and
care items, and agricultural outputs, the company is committed to staying at the forefront of global
ensures every product tested meets global testing methodologies.
benchmarks. Whether it is a cannabis tincture, a Impact Through Training and Localisation
protein supplement, or a jar of jam, each undergoes In alignment with South Africa’s National Development
rigorous scrutiny to ensure consumer safety, Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
accurate labelling, and market readiness.
The Testing Company is a model for how science
Experts Behind the Vision and enterprise can intersect with socio-economic
The Testing Company is guided by a powerhouse development. Through training programmes, local
team of professionals from diverse disciplines. hiring, and inclusive technology deployment, the
The team’s diversity, spanning science, medicine, company is building a new generation of technicians,
sociology, and business, enables a holistic approach scientists, and entrepreneurs from within the
to testing that blends precision with community communities it serves.
insight. Whether it is a farmer cultivating medicinal plants,
Its leadership holds certifications in Laboratory a food producer needing lab validation, or a
Management and Internal Auditing, and its clinical manufacturer entering export markets, The Testing
team are members of the Association of Official Company is the bridge between innovation and
Analytical Chemists (AOAC), ensuring alignment with compliance, aspiration and access.
international best practices. As Prof. Seedat-Khan notes, “Our vision isn’t just to
The Testing Company plays a pivotal role in test products. It’s to unlock Africa’s potential, ethically,
strengthening South Africa’s regulatory framework, scientifically, and inclusively.”

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