South Africa’s new Shesha, an energy drink made from the juice extracted from fresh, raw sugarcane, is a global first.

Shesha is made from hand-harvested, high-quality sugarcane stalks that are peeled and crushed to form the base of this naturally sweetened, fortified energy drink. No other energy drink in the world is produced this way. Produced and canned in KwaZulu-Natal, this innovative and proudly home-grown product supports job creation and economic growth in rural communities.

“This is more than just an energy drink, it’s a story of South African ingenuity and resilience. Every can of Shesha supports local jobs, sustains families, and strengthens rural economies in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga,” said Kiki Mzoneli, a sugarcane grower from KwaZulu-Natal and board member of SA Canegrowers.

The launch comes at a time when consumers are seeking smarter, healthier energy solutions. Shesha bridges sustainability and taste, offering a drink that not only fuels performance but aligns with a new era of conscious consumption.

Sugarcane is rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, making Shesha more nutritious than regular energy drinks. Shesha also contains 50% less caffeine than other energy drinks.

“Shesha is about doing something new and exciting with a crop we’ve known for generations. It’s proof that innovation can start right here at home — turning sugarcane into something fresh, relevant and proudly South African,” said Higgins Mdluli, a sugarcane grower from Mpumalanga, and chairman of SA Canegrowers.

Shesha is produced by Womoba, a subsidiary of the not-for-profit SA Canegrowers.

Profits from Shesha will be enable projects in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga to stimulate job creation and economic opportunity through the activities of SA Canegrowers. As the sole shareholder in the initiative, SA Canegrowers — which represents all 24,000 small-scale and 1,200 large-scale South African sugarcane growers — is driving efforts to diversify the industry beyond traditional sugar production. The launch of Shesha marks a key step in this strategy to create new, sustainable revenue streams for growers and rural communities alike.

Shesha is available in four flavours: Original, Lemon & Lime, Orange, and Ginger Beer. It is available nationally via Takealot and Makro’s online store and currently at select retailers in KwaZulu-Natal.

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