Why Tropika’s collaboration with Dr Esther Mahlangu feels bigger than a beverage

In a move that has effectively turned the local supermarket aisle into a high-end gallery, Tropika has ditched its usual island vibes for something with serious “street cred.” The brand has partnered with the incomparable Dr Esther Mahlangu to launch a limited-edition Ginger Beer.

It is the collaboration we didn’t know we needed. On one side, we have a household name known for “smooth” flavours. On the other, we have a 90-year-old global icon who has spent seven decades making geometric precision look easy. The result is a bottle that is quite frankly too pretty to put in a recycling bin.

Let’s be honest. While tropical punch is great for a poolside lounge, the mere thought of a ginger drink immediately brings gemere to mind. In South Africa, this isn’t just a flavour; it’s a cultural cornerstone.

In My Culture, Ginger beer is generally referred to as gemere. It is a drink often enjoyed during celebratory times like weddings and parties, and for some families, ancestral occasions.

By putting this liquid in a bottle adorned with Dr Mahlangu’s legendary Ndebele patterns, Tropika has successfully packaged nostalgia. They have pivoted from their usual fruity profile to offer a warming brew specifically for the colder months, making it a gogo-approved beverage with a high-fashion designer label.

Art You Can Actually Afford

Dr Mahlangu has previously lent her signature style to everything from luxury BMWs to high-fashion sneakers. For those of us whose bank balances do not quite stretch to a custom 7-Series, this bottle is a gift. It transforms a routine trip to the shops into a cultural acquisition.

Miantha Roux, Head of Beverages at Clover, said the collaboration “blends a bold new flavour direction with the deep pride and storytelling of Dr Mahlangu’s artistry”.

The limited-edition bottles are available at retailers across South Africa.