Unemployment is one of the biggest social ills in Mzansi, but with South Africa’s small business sector offering untapped potential for growth and job creation, a difference is made.
The Delicious Festival Trader Academy powered by FoodBev SETA was recently launched with the first intake of 50 SMMEs in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors.
According to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2023 State of the Nation Address, there are about 3.5 million small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa in the informal sector. However, most of these need exposure and access to market opportunities to realise their full potential.
The DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival, in conjunction with founding partner FoodBev SETA (the Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority), has developed a 5-month accredited theory and practical training programme that will provide business development skills, safety and licensing, new business development, finance and marketing, alongside mentoring from the Delicious All-Stars.
Jean Huddy, CEO of the Delicious Festival Trader Academy Powered by FoodBevSeta, told Daily Sun that the energy for the Trader Academy was driven by the fact that every year, the festival must turn down scores of small food businesses applying to trade because they fall short of the minimum standards.
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“It’s heartbreaking to do so, and we have a responsibility to not just constantly say ‘no, no, no’ but rather, through guidance and accredited modules in entrepreneurship, compliance and health and safety, to get these traders to a standard where they can start attending festivals and events in their communities and eventually trade at major festivals like DStv Delicious,” she said.
She said there was a missing ingredient.
“The academy is for informal traders, micro-businesses that wouldn’t otherwise have been able to participate in events like DStv Delicious. They need access to the market and guidance in complying with industry standards, but they have the passion for operating in the food industry and are looking to grow their brands,” she said.
CEO of FoodBev Manufacturing SETA, Nokuthula Selamolela, said the partnership between FoodBev Manufacturing SETA and Delicious Trader Academy underscores the shared commitment to fostering economic growth and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit.
“This milestone achievement by FoodBev Manufacturing SETA and Delicious Trader Academy marks a significant step towards promoting South African SMEs and highlighting their excellence, innovation, and potential for growth. The collaborative effort also showcases the vibrant and diverse food and beverage manufacturing industry in South Africa, underscoring the nation's rich heritage and entrepreneurial spirit,” added Selamolela.
The first intake of 50 SMMEs will get hands-on experience at this year's DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival, which will take place over the weekend of 23 and 24 September at the Kyalami Race Track.
