Learners from grade 10 to Grade 12 are set to benefit from the launch of Soweto’s newest coffee brand, Huis Van Cofifi (HVC). The locally-made brand intends to offer free practical and theoretical experience to learners in the coffee-making business. This was revealed at the launch of the brand at Emshukantambo Secondary in Pimville on Monday.
One of those learners is Phila Dhlamini. The grade 12 learner said too many programmes were aimed at motivating the youth but not actively helping them.
“Unlike many other initiatives, this one truly aims at giving Sowetan youth tangible skills and work experience,” Dhlamini said.
“This project brings me a flickering hope, a hope that we the youth would dare to stand and take our collective future.”
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The initiative is the brainchild of former footballer, Sibuso Sibeko, Chef Busisiwe Tshabalala and Khulekani Mpala who owns the Thando Coffee Company and serves as mentor to Sibeko and Tshabalala.
Speaking at the launch, Director and Co-founder of HVC, Sibeko also emphasised the importance of working with youth.
“The learners that we’re able to take on will be placed on a seasonal or holiday basis with the coffee shops that we will partner with. The aim is to give them that experience from an early age, so it’s entirely more about empowerment that will, in future, engage our communities’ economic and social problems,” he said.
Emshukantambo Secondary Principal, Richard Masemola said the school was proud to be part of the groundbreaking project.
“There are not many schools who can claim to have something similar to this so we are proud to be part of this historic occasion. Gone are the days where township schools would be just four walls with no souls and gone are the days where our schools would be battlegrounds. We would like to thank founders and the sponsors who have become on board to support this,” he said.
HCV also invited a star-studded list of industry leaders to the launch, who, in addition to supporting HVC, also gave career guidance tips to learners. These ranged from auditors to IT. Also in attendance were the 2021 Miss Township South Africa finalist, Goitsimang Eland, and 2021 Miss Unity South Africa finalist, Buhle Nkabinde.
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