Following a call for applications for the 2015 SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme, some 470 applications were received from entrepreneurs in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. A rigorous selection process whittled the candidates down to just 30 entrepreneurs across the two provinces.
At a workshop held at Durban’s Salt Rock Hotel, the final 15 candidates from KwaZulu-Natal who displayed the most potential and suitability were selected: Nyachegos, Bay Twins Trading,
Bede Holdings, Inkasa Engineering, Construction and Consulting, Manje Gas, Thumbela Communications, Qiniso Multisales, Feast Bistro, Lovechild Educare, Siyafundza Business Solutions, Volume Pushers, TS Suppliers and Services, Thoko Angel Trade Projects & Services, Valley Mushrooms and Cuddle Cuts.
“The programme provides funding, training, mentorship and business support to black-owned businesses over a period of two years, with a special focus on youth and rural development,” said Catherine Wijnberg of Fetola, who are the implementing partners for Tholoana.
She noted that youth unemployment is at an all-time high, with around 50% of South African youth out of work. “This figure is rising and so we simply must look to developing entrepreneurship as the answer to the unemployment challenge,” she said. “Starting a business is not easy. Entrepreneurs battle the pending recession, lack of funding, big corporate competitors, as well as stringent requirements and policies. The Tholoana programme seeks to provide expert support and assistance to those facing these obstacles.”
“The quality of the applicants from KwaZulu-Natal was outstanding. We are so eager to engage with them further and I extend congratulations to them all,” says Bridgit Evans, the Manager of the SAB Foundation. “Successful applicants can look forward to an intensive two year programme of workshops and training, e-learning, mentorship, brand development, media and marketing assistance, and access to funds as well as a wide network of like-minded peers.”
With places limited and competition fierce, successful applicants were understandably encouraged and inspired at their selection. Shamin Allumchund of Mtubatuba’s Feast Bistro said she was new in the retail business. “This programme has sown many seeds. I feel motivated and more confident; eager to put in new systems, motivate my staff and to give them feedback.”
The Tholoana Enterprise Programme is funded by the SAB Foundation, and aims at the empowerment of promising black-, women- and youth-owned businesses in certain regions. Additionally, the programme aims to provide disabled entrepreneurs and rural communities with the tools to uplift themselves, by identifying businesses with potential and offering them assistance.
The enterprises include clothing and textile manufacturers, hair and beauty services, food and hospitality professionals, video production, corporate communication and education service providers as well as construction, farming and engineering businesses.
Applications for the next intake for the SAB Foundation Tholoana programme in January 2016. For more details, visit the SAB Foundation website on www.sabfoundation.co.za .
