Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) have partnered to promote small enterprises in Harrismith’s townships through the Bizniz in a Box (BiB) programme. The programme provides support to entrepreneurs with business equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and training, as well as ongoing business development support. The aim is to create employment opportunities and reduce poverty in marginalized communities, bridging the spatial gap and empowering SMMEs.
How is economic growth being fostered in Harrismith’s townships?
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) have partnered to promote small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Harrismith’s townships. The Bizniz in a Box (BiB) programme provides support to entrepreneurs with business equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and training, as well as ongoing business development support. The partnership is an example of collaborative efforts to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for marginalized communities.
Boosting Township Economy with Strategic Partnerships
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) have joined forces to promote small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) based in Harrismith’s townships. The aim is to facilitate economic development and reduce poverty. Creating employment opportunities for those who struggle to access the mainstream job market is a crucial aspect of the township economy.
The Bizniz in a Box (BiB) programme, a collaborative effort between CCBSA and DESTEA, has recently provided support to 27 entrepreneurs from Intabazwe township. The assistance includes business equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and training. Furthermore, these business owners will receive ongoing business development support to ensure the success and sustainability of their ventures.
The ceremony for the handover of the business equipment saw the attendance of Free State MEC of Economic Development, Thabo Meeko. He expressed his gratitude to CCBSA for their dedication to empowering these entrepreneurs. The department has also committed R405,000 to support these business owners with R15,000 each, aiding them in purchasing inventory for their businesses.
Bridging Spatial Gaps and Empowering SMMEs
During his keynote address, MEC Thabo Meeko highlighted that the support provided by these initiatives is merely the beginning of several efforts aimed at aiding township-owned SMMEs. He acknowledged the spatial disconnect and alienation of townships from mainstream economic activity. By closing this spatial gap, these programs can reintegrate people into the economic sector, unleashing untapped potential and setting township enterprises on a path of growth.
The BiB programme is a component of CCBSA’s economic inclusion initiative, focusing on empowering SMMEs, particularly women and youth in host communities. Together with DESTEA, they have identified 50 SMMEs in the Free State and provided infrastructure support such as containers, mobile kitchens, and renovations. Some businesses have also received equipment support to help enhance their operations. To date, the BiB programme has supported 62 SMMEs and provided training to 560 businesses.
Jarrod Piderit, Acting Regional General Manager, attended the event and commended the entrepreneurs for their efforts. He encouraged them to work diligently to support their families and create employment opportunities within their communities. The DESTEA delegation and CCBSA representatives conducted a trade outlet visit to observe the entrepreneurs in Intabazwe township who have benefitted from infrastructure improvements through the programme.
Transforming Township Economy with Legislation and Initiatives
Considering the severity of poverty and unemployment in the province, the Department is formulating comprehensive policies to aggressively address the conditions affecting township businesses. They are collaborating with the Free State Parliament to adopt the Housing Consumer Protection Bill, aiming to transform the township economy and bridge the gap between township and mainstream economic activity. The bill also seeks to address the sale of illicit goods within townships, ensuring market stability and preventing the exploitation of opportunities presented by the township economy.
The partnership between CCBSA and DESTEA demonstrates a commitment to creating a supportive platform for local enterprises to grow and develop. In response to concerns raised by the broader community, the Department has dispatched its Consumer Protection Unit to inspect and address the sale of expired goods in the province. With several more initiatives in the works to support township-owned SMMEs, the collaboration between CCBSA and DESTEA is an example of the power of working together to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for marginalized communities.
1. What is the Bizniz in a Box (BiB) programme?
The BiB programme is a collaborative effort between Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) to promote small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Harrismith’s townships. It provides support to entrepreneurs with business equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and training, as well as ongoing business development support.
2. Who is the BiB programme aimed at?
The BiB programme is aimed at SMMEs in Harrismith’s townships, particularly women and youth entrepreneurs who struggle to access the mainstream job market.
3. How does the BiB programme help entrepreneurs?
The BiB programme provides support to entrepreneurs with business equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and training, as well as ongoing business development support. The aim is to create employment opportunities and reduce poverty in marginalized communities, bridging the spatial gap and empowering SMMEs.
4. How many entrepreneurs have received BiB programme support?
The BiB programme has supported 62 SMMEs to date and provided training to 560 businesses in the Free State.
5. What is the aim of the partnership between CCBSA and DESTEA?
The partnership between CCBSA and DESTEA aims to promote economic development and reduce poverty in Harrismith’s townships by creating employment opportunities for those who struggle to access the mainstream job market.
6. What other initiatives are in the works to support township-owned SMMEs?
The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) is formulating comprehensive policies to aggressively address the conditions affecting township businesses. They are collaborating with the Free State Parliament to adopt the Housing Consumer Protection Bill, which aims to transform the township economy and bridge the gap between township and mainstream economic activity.
7. How does the BiB programme fit into CCBSA’s economic inclusion initiative?
The BiB programme is a component of CCBSA’s economic inclusion initiative, which focuses on empowering SMMEs, particularly women and youth in host communities. Together with DESTEA, they have identified 50 SMMEs in the Free State and provided infrastructure support such as containers, mobile kitchens, and renovations.
8. What is the role of DESTEA’s Consumer Protection Unit in supporting township-owned SMMEs?
The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has dispatched its Consumer Protection Unit to inspect and address the sale of expired goods in the province. This is in response to concerns raised by the broader community about the sale of illicit goods within townships.
