Jika Communication & Training

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THEMBISA – More than 200 small businesses across Gauteng have benefited from the Green Seeds Programme, an enterprise development initiative that is empowering entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship and support needed to grow sustainable businesses, create jobs and strengthen local economies.

Olithemba recently attended a Green Seeds Programme workshop hosted at Ivory Tavern in Thembisa by Jika Communication and Training, the organisation responsible for implementing the programme on behalf of HEINEKEN Beverages. The event brought together nearly 40 entrepreneurs from various industries for a day of learning, networking and practical business development.

The Green Seeds Programme was launched in 2018 and is funded by HEINEKEN Beverages as part of its commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development. Since its inception, the programme has expanded across Gauteng and is now helping unlock the entrepreneurial potential of businesses in Thembisa.

Speaking about the initiative, HEINEKEN Beverages Head of Social Responsibility, Jolene Henn, said the programme is creating opportunities that extend beyond business growth.

"At HEINEKEN Beverages, our "Brew a Better World" ambition is about creating lasting value beyond our products by investing in the people and communities that make South Africa thrive. Through the Green Seeds Programme, we are helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient businesses with the skills, mentorship and networks they need to succeed. It is especially inspiring to see former participants return as mentors, demonstrating how opportunity can create a ripple effect of growth, job creation and shared prosperity. Together with our implementation partner, Jika Communication and Training, we are proud to help unlock the entrepreneurial potential of communities and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy," she said.

One of the highlights of the workshop was an interactive business challenge where participants worked in teams to develop innovative hotel business models. The exercise encouraged entrepreneurs to think creatively, collaborate across industries and develop practical business solutions.

Group Five impressed the judges with a unique concept that combined the hospitality and agricultural sectors, demonstrating how partnerships between industries can create sustainable business opportunities while supporting local economic development.

Olithemba also spoke to Morena Mokoena, a representative of Jika Communication and Training and a former Green Seeds beneficiary who now mentors aspiring entrepreneurs.

"I am a product of this programme," said Mokoena. "Today, I am able to mentor other entrepreneurs because of the opportunities and support I received. Thembisa has many talented entrepreneurs, both young and old. While the township is often overlooked, it has enormous potential for business growth and innovation," he said.

Mokoena said the programme has already supported more than 200 small businesses and has helped participants strengthen their operations, improve sustainability and expand their customer base.

Programme organisers estimate that participating businesses have generated close to R100 million in additional revenue since the programme began, while also contributing to job creation and economic development across Gauteng.

Entrepreneurs who attended the workshop praised the initiative for equipping them with practical business knowledge and for renewing their confidence.

Moipone Mzima, founder of Moipone and Son Construction Projects, said the programme has provided valuable support for emerging entrepreneurs. "Although my business is still a start-up, programmes like these help us gain knowledge and confidence to grow," she said.

Mmalefa Kabe, affectionately known as Meme and owner of Meme's Sweet Hub, was part of the winning team during the business challenge. "I am always looking for opportunities to learn and improve my business. Winning the activity was exciting, but the knowledge we gained is even more valuable," she said.

Both entrepreneurs, who are based in Thembisa, believe initiatives such as Green Seeds play an important role in helping township businesses become more competitive and sustainable.

The Green Seeds Programme focuses on providing entrepreneurs with practical business skills, mentorship and access to development opportunities that many small business owners struggle to obtain. As the initiative continues to expand across Gauteng, its mission remains to empower entrepreneurs, create employment, stimulate economic growth and help build thriving local enterprises throughout South Africa.

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