The earth is our source

Personal experiences in witnessing friends and family - including young parents and people in the prime of their lives - facing serious health challenges like cancer and autoimmune diseases, opened two couples’ eyes to the growing need for natural remedies that support the body’s innate ability to heal.

Driven by a mission to promote holistic health by addressing the root causes of illness rather than just symptoms, the Steyns and the Slabberts in January this year established The Source. They aim to empower people with natural, holistic approaches that prioritise long-term wellness and sustainable health.

From their experience, almost everyone has either experienced illness firsthand or knows someone who has. This created a deep sense of urgency and openness to explore alternatives beyond conventional medicine, which often focuses on symptoms, says Dirk Steyn.

“We’ve especially seen younger generations becoming more aware of the long-term effects that some modern medications can cause and who are curious about herbal supplements, superfoods and whole foods that support a healthier lifestyle.”

At The Source, they are committed to empowering the community to make informed health choices by sharing knowledge about natural wellness and offering carefully selected products that align with this vision, he explains.

“Our goal is to inspire and support sustainable, natural health decisions. We believe in treating the root causes rather than just the symptoms and in prevention rather than cure.”

Products at The Source are selected based on rigorous guidelines to ensure scientifically backed and traditionally proven, sustainable health solutions.

Purity, efficacy, affordability

“Our approach supports a healthier lifestyle by prioritising purity, proven efficacy and affordability. Each product must be supported by research demonstrating proven efficacy.”

According to Dirk, they avoid unnecessary additives wherever possible, focusing instead on high-quality, nutrient-dense natural and organic products that help meet daily recommended intakes of essential vitamins and minerals.

The Source’s current range includes African super plants like moringa, cancer bush, wild olive and buchu, alongside globally recognised superfoods such as matcha, blueberry, beetroot, carrot and spinach powders, as well as a selection of herbal teas.

“We’re also expanding our offerings to include targeted supplements to support wellness through research-backed benefits. We are also developing a new line of organic, ethically sourced coffee,” Dirk says.

While conducting proper studies on each product takes time, new additions to The Source’s range may take a little longer, he admits, because they believe in doing things right and staying aligned with their commitment to safe, effective, and trustworthy solutions.

In the couples’ personal lives natural products are part of their daily lives, says Dirk.

Favourites

Matcha powder, with its vibrant energy and antioxidant benefits, is a personal favourite, whether blended into a morning smoothie or enjoyed as a calming tea.

“We drink our three-in-one herbal blend daily, which combines cancer bush, wild olive and buchu, to benefit from its high antioxidant content and immunity-boosting properties, among other health advantages.”

Each one of the Steyns and Slabberts has a personal and unique journey which would bring them to being co-owners of The Source.

According to Anja Steyn, she has always been passionate about healthy living, always opting for natural remedies.

“Whenever someone around me faces a health challenge, my first instinct is to explore natural remedies and supplements. I realised that many people take medication for chronic illnesses, not realising the long-term effects some of it can have.”

Anja met her husband Dirk who grew up on a farm, and who also values nature and the importance of fresh, organic food, at university.

“We believe that the earth is our source. God has endowed us with all the natural resources we need to live healthy and to heal.”

Anja’s Honours degree in B.Com in Economics and Risk Management enhances the financial efficiency of The Source, while Dirk’s BSc in Physics and Mathematics, combined with his analytical mind and passion for people, add significant value to its products and clients.

“He ensures that everything we offer has the proper certificates of analysis and meets the highest standards.”

All of these life experiences have led them to live more naturally and to want the same for others, says Anja.

“That is why we are so passionate about The Source. Alongside our partners, we’re building something that helps make holistic, healthy living more accessible, inspired by Namibia’s rich natural heritage and our journey toward wellness.”

Proactive approach

Xané Slabbert shares that she has always struggled with her weight and later developed sciatica, a condition caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back, resulting in intense pain that radiates down her legs. After years of discomfort, trying various medications and seeing multiple doctors, she had little success without very strong painkillers and felt hopeless. Around the same time, close friends in their twenties, some just starting families, were fighting cancer, while Xané was also a witness to her mother battling rheumatoid arthritis, a painful autoimmune disease.

She decided to take a more scientific and proactive approach to her health, drawing on her background as a microbiologist.

“I believe that God created plants that we can use to our benefit. I adopted a ketogenic lifestyle, cutting back on processed foods and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense meals.”

Xané replaced painkillers with natural remedies like tinctures they made themselves and began working with a biokineticist to incorporate strength-based exercise. Over several years, she successfully lost weight and fully eliminated her sciatica. Today, she feels stronger, healthier and more energised than ever.

“My academic background allowed me to explore the science behind antioxidants and their role in neutralising free radicals, which can lead to long-term damage in nerves and tissues. What began as a personal journey soon became a passion, especially after seeing the effects of chronic and autoimmune conditions on people I love.”

There is hope for those who feel stuck or discouraged, as she once did, says Xané. “Keto and some natural supplements through simple, sustainable and cost-effective strategies have been shown to help manage a range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, such as PCOS, fertility challenges, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.

Shared vision

Her husband .............. shares her vision after witnessing the impact of chronic illness on friends and family, both type 1 and 2 diabetes and is passionate about natural, preventative wellness. “He is a firm believer that the correct diet can treat and heal most modern chronic illnesses. The closer to the earth, the better.”

The Source operates as an online platform to maximise accessibility and affordability for customers across Namibia. As a passion project run by working individuals, the Steyns and Slabberts have no plans for a physical store, as the web-based model allows nationwide shipping and local pickups in Windhoek. Overheads are also kept low by operating from a warehouse instead of prime shopping center real estate. This ensures the natural supplements remain cost-effective.

The aim is to expand The Source’s product line and offer personalised solutions to meet individual wellness needs, maintaining the couples’ commitment to accessible, affordable health options.

For those new to natural products, they encourage people to start with small, manageable steps to embark on a sustainable health journey, guided by The Source’s commitment to scientifically backed solutions.

“Trying to change everything at once can feel overwhelming, but incorporating natural products is a gentle introduction to a broader lifestyle change that encourages healthier living.”

The Source’s tips to start:

Start small: Begin with simple swaps to ease into the journey. Try herbal tea instead of sugary drinks or add superfood powders to smoothies for a boost. These small changes build momentum for lasting habits.

Choose quality: Seek products with clean, organic and recognisable ingredients, supported by research demonstrating their benefits. Avoid artificial additives or overly processed items.

Focus on root causes: Choose remedies that support long-term health rather than quick fixes. For example, anti-inflammatory herbs like cancer bush, buchu and wild olive leaves, can address underlying issues instead of just masking pain.