In a fast-evolving regulatory landscape where quality assurance and consumer safety are non-negotiables,
The Testing Company has emerged as a proudly South African, world-class laboratory transforming
the landscape of testing and compliance. The laboratory is the first in KwaZulu-Natal to be licensed
by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), to have university partnership
and ISO certification, in addition to being a Level 1 BBBEE contributor. The Testing Company is driven by
a bold mission to reduce barriers to market entry for small, medium and micro enterprises, empower rural
producers, and bring cutting-edge testing technology to the heart of underserved communities.

Founded by a visionary team of doctors, scientists, and development specialists, The Testing Company
is more than a laboratory. It is a movement for transformation, inclusion, and economic upliftment.

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 the Field
One of the company’s most innovative contributions is its MobileLab, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility
housed within shipping containers. These mobile units are deployed to semi-rural and rural areas, allowing onsite, real-time testing services that eliminate logistical bottlenecks and reduce environmental impact.
Beyond their scientific capabilities, MobileLabs embody a philosophy of sustainability and community
involvement. Local community members are recruited and trained to staff the labs, creating direct
employment and building a foundation for future Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) talent in underserved areas.

With tailored solutions for cannabis products, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal
care items, and agricultural outputs, the company ensures every product tested meets global
benchmarks. Whether it is a cannabis tincture, a protein supplement, or a jar of jam, each undergoes
rigorous scrutiny to ensure consumer safety, accurate labelling, and market readiness.

Experts Behind the Vision
The Testing Company is guided by a powerhouse team of professionals from diverse disciplines. The team’s diversity, spanning science, medicine, sociology, and business, enables a holistic approach to testing that blends precision with community insight.

Its leadership holds certifications in Laboratory Management and Internal Auditing, and its clinical
team are members of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), ensuring alignment with
international best practices.

The Testing Company plays a pivotal role in strengthening South Africa’s regulatory framework, particularly in newer markets such as medical cannabis and complementary medicines. By providing reliable data and advocating for science-based policies, the company supports the formalisation and legitimisation of these sectors.

Testing, the company asserts, is not just about safety. It is a catalyst for broader economic growth. Accurate
labelling, dosage clarity, and quality control not only protect consumers but also open up export channels,
attract investment, and boost local production.

Certified to ISO 17025:2017 and ISO 22000:2018 standards, The Testing Company is also licensed
by South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and actively collaborates with
leading institutions such as the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The company is part of
research initiatives on cannabinoid testing and is committed to staying at the forefront of global
testing methodologies.

Impact Through Training and Localisation
In alignment with South Africa’s National Development Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
The Testing Company is a model for how science and enterprise can intersect with socio-economic
development. Through training programmes, local hiring, and inclusive technology deployment, the
company is building a new generation of technicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs from within the
communities it serves.

Whether it is a farmer cultivating medicinal plants, a food producer needing lab validation, or a
manufacturer entering export markets, The Testing Company is the bridge between innovation and
compliance, aspiration and access.

As Prof. Seedat-Khan notes, “Our vision isn’t just to test products. It’s to unlock Africa’s potential, ethically,
scientifically, and inclusively.”