1. 67PREMIER
A Salted Journey
Text: Sarah-Claire Picton
Images © Barbara Cowley, Graeme Robinson, and
Stephen Brown
ORyxDeSeRTSalT
Natural, essential, timeless: “NeT” worth
grows organically at the proudly South
african brand, Oryx Desert Salt – a product
natural desert salt sourced from a secluded
and unspoiled area in the Kalahari Desert.
The story of Oryx Desert Salt began
more than 15 years ago in July 2000, when
Samantha Skyring, CeO of Oryx, embarked
the Namib Desert, from Hartmann’s Valley
Oryx Desert Salt. With the rustic red hues
of the Kalahari Desert in the distance,
Skyring returned to South africa, but her
experiences with the Oryx Gazella, or
gemsbok, continued to resonate.
for up to two years without water, but only
two months without licking salt – thanks
to the sodium chloride, minerals, and
trace elements that are essential for their
of the Kalahari Desert. In talking about her
Namibian trip, Skyring drifts momentarily to
the spaciousness and stillness in the desert
fast paced demand of life now.” Thus, when

2. 68 PREMIER
and foresight to execute her new business.
healthy food (healthy eating cured her
was 13-years-old, which resulted in her
working to make her pocket money. Since
this introduction to entrepreneurship,
for launching and running a business – her
From aircraft interior refurbishment, to
while on a kayaking expedition, to founding
Kayak africa, Skyring concedes that she is
“incredibly spontaneous”. Her approach to
business is essentially to tackle things as
they come. “I don’t get stuck by, ‘I wonder
if this will work?’ If I think it’s a great idea, I
run with it!”
One concept she took for a run that is
now leaping in bounds is Oryx Desert
Salt. While the brand took inspiration
ground with Skyring packing bags on
in so many ways,” says Skyring. In 2014,
Grant Rushmere facilitated in creating
Oryx’s new branding, and recently the
product has been launched in selected
Woolworths’ stores nationwide. engaging
in the embryonic pattern that comes with
launching a new company, Skyring has,
since its inception, gained instrumental
knowledge on how to operate Oryx Desert
and mentorship from business partners
understanding the power of knowing
budgeting, forecasting, and knowing how
to read management accounts.”
Plating business aside to clear the
palate: the taste of Oryx Desert Salt
and celebrated chefs use the product.
Quartier Français in Franschhoek, says,
“It is the only salt I use. It really has a
the difference is immediately noticeable,
borders, to remain local.”
your body the accurate balance of trace
elements and minerals natural to salt –
such as zinc, magnesium, and potassium
– so they can be utilised and absorbed for
Sue Visser: “Salt imbalances can make us
Besides the health factor, Oryx Desert
Salt has an ethos that is strongly focussed
communities who own !xaus lodge in the
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Kalahari
Desert. “It is exciting that the original chef
from !xaus lodge, elsie, is going on her
contributed towards equipment and a
monthly stipend to support her as she grows
and becomes sustainable,” says Skyring.
To stay in line with our sustainability ethos,
the grinders with imported long-lasting
multiple times.” Towards the end of 2016,
an exciting place where my focus now is
our export market,” says Skyring. and
for those looking to embark on their own
from a woman of true wanderlust with rich
business acumen: “Follow your passion, it
has incredible power!”
www.oryxdesertsalt.co.za.