Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), in conjunction with Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), is supporting township-owned tourism SMMEs through an innovative programme titled Bizniz in a Box (BiB).

The township economy helps to generate employment and thus creates opportunities for those who may face barriers of employment in mainstream sectors. This helps alleviate poverty and contributes to the country's overall economic development.

Through the BiB programme, CCBSA and DESTEA recently supported 27 entrepreneurs from Intabazwe township in Harrismith with business equipment, infrastructure improvements and training. These business owners will also further receive business development support to ensure their businesses grow and are sustainable.

This handover for business equipment support was attended by the Free State MEC of Economic Development, Thabo Meeko, who thanked CCBSA for the initiative, which will empower these businesses. The Department also committed R405 000 (€20 615) to support these 27 candidates with R15 000 (€760) each to help them buy stock for their businesses.

Meeko said: “The support we are providing here today is only one of several initiatives to help township-owned SMMEs develop and thrive. The Department concedes that townships remain spatially disconnected and alienated from mainstream economic activity, and such programmes are aggressively bridging the existing spatial gap.

“We believe that such progressive programmes and strategic partnerships will help unlock the untapped potential, set township enterprises on a growth path, and help diversify the township economy.”

The Bizniz in a Box (BiB) programme is part of CCBSA’s economic inclusion programme to empower small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs), especially women and youth in host communities.

As such, CCBSA in partnership with DESTEA has identified 50 SMMEs in the Free State and, through the BiB programme, has provided infrastructure support such as a container, mobile kitchen and renovations. Some businesses were provided with equipment to help them take their businesses to the next level. To date, 62 SMMEs have been supported through BiB and 560 businesses have been provided with relevant training.

Jarrod Piderit, CCBSA Acting Regional GM, commended the entrepreneurs for their efforts and encouraged them to work hard in their businesses to sustain their families and employ others in their community.