The South African Rooibos Council is calling on all South Africans to welcome visitors to the country with a cup of rooibos tea. This is a quick, affordable way to offer a traditional South African welcome that appeals to all tastes and cultures, whether you are a guest house owner, business entrepreneur, or involved in any sporting, educational, civic or social organisation.

The soccer mega-event is an ideal time to offer this traditional brew, but the Council also wants a Rooibos welcome to become synonymous with all South African business, industry and culture, in the same way that Indian business people traditionally welcome customers with a glass of steaming, sweet chai tea.

The Rooibos Council is not only encouraging local organisations to take up a tea bag, but also appeals to overseas trade missions, embassies and expatriate clubs to offer this hospitable welcome drink.

To spread the message, the Council has launched a letter-writing campaign to business, civic, social and educational organisations across the country and abroad. Leading South Africans who are already keen rooibos fans will be invited to lend their support to the campaign too.

If you would like to pledge your support, share your rooibos stories or find out more about the campaign, please email rooibos@meropa.co.za

Members of the South African Rooibos Council (L to R) Willie Nel, Mientjie Mouton, Martin Bergh (SARC chairman), Donnée MacDougall and Dawie de Villiers encourage sporting, business, civic, social and educational organisations to offer visitors welcoming rooibos tea