Our Story
Springbok Delights was founded in 2000 by Reon and Lyndie Wilsenach, who arrived in Australia in 1997. Realizing a strong demand for authentic South African delicacies among homesick ex-pats, they set out to bring beloved treats like Biltong and Boerewors to the local community.
Our first butchery opened in Lane Cove, Sydney, specializing in South African-style meat cuts and marinated products such as Sosaties and Texan Steaks. Alongside these, we offered a curated selection of imported South African grocery staples like Mrs. Ball’s Chutney, All Gold Tomato Sauce, Ouma Rusks, and Koeksisters. From day one, exceptional customer service was our priority, and many of our earliest customers remain our friends (shoutout to Steve, who even came up with the shop's name!)
Growing with Our Community
Word spread quickly about Springbok Delights, and our loyal customer base flourished. Over time, we began supplying a few restaurants and shops with Biltong and Boerewors, which evolved into a dedicated wholesale business. Today, we proudly supply over 80 shops, delis, and restaurants across Sydney and beyond.
As demand grew, we outgrew our Lane Cove premises. In 2006, we opened The Biltong Man, our factory in Mascot, where we manufacture Boerewors and air-dried beef products. This HACCP-accredited facility also ages all our beef, ensuring consistent quality in every product. In 2018, we relocated the factory to Seven Hills.
Expanding Our Reach
In 2003, we opened a second store, African Delights, in Round Corner, Dural, catering to customers in the Hills area. Our business remained a family affair, with Reon’s sister Inge joining in 2007 to manage administration and spearhead new initiatives—like launching this website!
In July 2007, we expanded further by acquiring the neighboring Fruit and Veg business. After renovations, our brand-new store opened in September 2007, featuring:
- A state-of-the-art gourmet butchery.
- A cellar boasting one of the largest ranges of South African beer, wine, and spirits in NSW (if not all of Australia).
- A fresh Fruit and Veg department.
- A treasure trove of imported South African groceries.
Our Connection to the South African Community
From the beginning, we have remained deeply involved with Sydney’s South African community. We regularly cater for events, including supporters’ gatherings and cultural celebrations. Springbok Delights has proudly sponsored SAvents, an event management company, and supported memorable occasions like the Tri-Nations Bash at Ryan’s Bar.
Our shops also serve as hubs for sharing information about upcoming events, which we now aim to extend to our website.
Looking Ahead
At Springbok Delights, our journey has always been about more than food—it’s about community, connection, and celebrating South African heritage. Whether you’re visiting our stores, enjoying our products, or attending one of the many events we support, we look forward to continuing this adventure with you.