OUMA Rusks: A Taste of Home

For over 85 years, OUMA Rusks has been a cherished South African brand, rooted in a rich history that begins in the small town of Molteno, Northern Cape. Born out of necessity during the Great Depression, the brand’s humble origins lie in the heartwarming story of Ouma Greyvensteyn, who turned a family recipe into a symbol of home for generations of South Africans.

It all started in the 1930s when Ouma Greyvensteyn, after attending a church meeting, decided to put her culinary skills to work by baking rusks and selling them to neighboring farmers. What began as a small effort to raise money for missionary work quickly blossomed into something much bigger. Within days, Ouma’s rusks became the talk of the town, and soon orders were streaming in from Johannesburg and beyond. Her rusks became synonymous with South African tradition, and Ouma herself earned the reputation as one of the country’s most celebrated bakers.

Despite the brand’s growth, OUMA Rusks has stayed true to its roots. Still made on Ouma’s original Friedenburg farm, the rusks continue to evoke a sense of warmth, authenticity, and home. While the brand has evolved over the years, introducing new variants and updating packaging, the core of OUMA Rusks remains unchanged, representing comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

OUMA Rusks has also been a cornerstone for the Molteno community, growing what matters for its people. With a R50 million investment in 2017 to build a new bakery, replacing a facility that stood for more than 50 years, the brand continues to create jobs and opportunities for the town’s residents. In many ways, OUMA Rusks is more than just a product—it’s a legacy of generosity, inclusivity, and homegrown pride, deeply intertwined with South African culture.

From the early days to today, OUMA Rusks has remained a beloved household name, representing the heartwarming feeling of home for generations.