Sanne RamunenyiwaIt’s been a rollercoaster ride for the 27-year-old accounting student from Limpopo, Sanne Ramunenyiwa, who often talked to students and friends to understand their food preferences, budget and eating habits.
Today, he is so popular that he can easily be dubbed “The kota-king,” named after the kota, a greasy meal and a very popular South African kasi street food. The kota differs in the type of ingredients but mostly consists of a hollowed-out quarter loaf of bread filled with beef mince or viennas, depending on the customer’s order.
“I also observed peak eating times and checked what competitors were offering. The biggest takeaway was that students wanted fast, filling meals at an affordable price, and they loved bold, familiar flavours. That shaped my menu and pricing strategy.”
He grew up in a family with successful businesses. He is grateful for being surrounded by the know-how to run a business, which instilled a passion for entrepreneurship from a young age.
His slumbering business idea of bringing authentic Pretoria-style kasi food to the diverse UWC campus finally came to fruition, and his idea filled a glaring gap in the market.
After years of persistent efforts since 2020, Sanne finally got an opportunity to present his business idea to the University's Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) in 2024.
“Obtaining permission was one of the biggest hurdles. Universities have strict regulations about vendors on campus, and securing a spot wasn’t easy.
“I’ve always been passionate about food, especially traditional South African street food like kotas. While studying at UWC, I noticed a gap in the market - students wanted affordable, flavourful, and convenient meals, but there weren’t many options that truly catered to their tastes.
“That’s how Sanne’s Palace was born - a fusion of authentic flavours with a modern twist served in a way that’s quick and accessible. I focused on meals that students love - kotas, burgers, and platters - while adding unique twists to stand out. The menu had to balance affordability with quality.”
In 2023, he launched Sannes Palace, operating from the University residence. In 2024, he rented a trailer off-campus. Thanks to successful social media marketing, the business gained significant traction, reaching over one million views on TikTok within three months.
However, he faced financial struggles, losing three bursaries and facing legal threats from the bank due to missed payments.
“This was a tough period for me. I was about to give up; lawyers were literally breathing down my neck threatening me with being blacklisted and liquidation if I continued with non-payment.”
Things started to improve in 2024 when the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in partnership with the Business Development Office (BDO), joined the team.
“They helped me in obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications and the University allowed me to operate on campus for the second semester without charging rent.
This enabled him to raise funds for a new trailer, and the business thrived. “I remember the success of the Food Truck Festival, where Sunne’s Palace made record sales and, for the first time, attracted customers from all walks of life.
“It made me see the potential this business has,” he said.
He is immensely grateful for the University's support and acknowledged the learning process for both parties in establishing policies and structures for student entrepreneurship.
“I’ve learned that no matter what you may be facing today, trust in God's assurance that everything will fall into place in His perfect time.”
He plans to pursue a postgraduate degree while continuing to grow the business, with aspirations of opening a restaurant in Cape Town's CBD or operating as a ghost kitchen.
