SAB reiterates its commitment to drive inclusive growth in our communities by supporting more women entrepreneurs through its Reinstatement Programme. 116 retailers are now able to reignite their trade and help grow the township economy.
The alcohol bans implemented during the pandemic had dire effects on the local tavern industry resulting in billions of rands in loss and affecting over 250 000 livelihoods. Even after the financial crippling period, taverns across South Africa have demonstrated an inspirational resilience as they inched their way back to stability and growth.
To assist tavern owners in getting back on their feet, SAB launched its Reinstatement Programme with the aim to give more tavern owners a chance to find success and continue their journey of economic growth and recovery.
“This forms part of our official Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy,” says SAB Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Zoleka Lisa. “We strive to lead the beer industry towards a more sustainable future. The strategy seeks to support social innovators, farmers, retailers and SMMEs by driving growth through several empowerment interventions for women-owned businesses in townships and rural areas by 2025. With this programme, we aim to support retailers by providing them relief following the pandemic.” She adds.
Through the Reinstatement Programme 116 retailers, with more than 50% being women-owned, could resume trade and sustain their families’ livelihoods. The programme provided business training, BEES points and outlet revamps to help relieve the growing debt burden that has trapped so many taverners in stagnation and decline.
The business training is the most significant part of the programme as it empowers retailers to operate sustainable businesses and the training is personalised based on each.
According to Lisa, the training takes place in three phases. The first is the diagnostic phase, where retailers fill in a diagnostic questionnaire detailing their business gaps - followed by the feedback phase, where retailers receive feedback and map a way forward. The third phase is where the training, coaching and monitoring commences, in which retailers receive training on gaps identified.
As a beneficiary of this programme, owner of Patience Shebeen, Victoria Hood, received business training, BEES points to buy stock and a minor revamp to her outlet. She says that the training she received was immensely beneficial as she was able to immediately use most of the elements in the operation of her business. She was also able to purchase additional stock with her BEES points while trying to get her business back into full operation.
Small businesses form the bedrock of our economic success and encourages all organisations to support our SMEs and entrepreneurs – not only on this Entrepreneurship Month but always.
“Entrepreneurs are often overlooked when it comes to funding, training and growth opportunities. Big organisations have a unique advantage in supporting entrepreneurs within their industries and they should be doing everything in our power to ensure entrepreneurs thrive” Lisa concludes
This programme showcases SAB’s dedication to growing small businesses and backing entrepreneurs. As a way of supporting entrepreneurs on their journey and, SAB aims to support over 15000 women entrepreneurs across its value chain and ensure they thrive in challenging environments by 2025.
