First launched in 2016, CCBSA’s BiB is primarily aimed at transforming aspirant entrepreneurs into fully-fledged business owners who can create a livelihood for themselves and others. Through BiB, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has financially supported and provided training to over 700 entrepreneurs across the country.
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Pirtunia Dhlamini, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Manager at CCBSA in Gauteng said: “We believe that when companies grow their businesses the right way, not just the easy way, it will help create inclusive growth opportunities for communities and all their stakeholders, for a better-shared future. This informs our collective decision with our partners to invest in the SMMEs in our Host communities, such as Thembisa/Olifantsfontein.” Dhlamini added: “We are collaborating with longtime partners, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and The City of Ekurhuleni’s Olifantsfontein Cllr. Derek Thomson to launch the CCBSA 2023 BiB Hawker Stalls as part of our economic inclusion programme to empower small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in this community.”
The partnership has invested around R1 million in upgrades of the seven small businesses, including five food outlets and two car washes. Their trading infrastructures were upgraded to conducive food outlets, and the car washes were provided with new structural building materials such as painting, outdoor benches, and other equipment to help them run professional businesses.
“Our youth are resilient and enterprising and have shown that they can start their businesses to create a livelihood for themselves. But disillusionment remains high, and now more than ever, we need a focused approach to tackle some of the challenges we face as a country. There is a need for all stakeholders to collaborate and co-create solutions that will bring hope to our young people, be it providing access to education or helping them build businesses”, says Dhlamini.
According to statistics from Trading Economics, South Africa’s unemployment rate was at 32.9% in the third quarter of 2022, down from 33.9% in the prior period and below market estimates of 33.4%.
“It is through initiatives such as BiB and collaborative efforts between the private and public sectors that we will see a gain in job creation and eventually eradicate poverty in our communities.” Dhlamini concluded: “We must continue to invest in the future of our women and youth in business”.
Image Courtesy: Supplied
